What is the purpose of this test?
Order this Cryoglobulin, Qualitative With Quantitative Reflex Blood Test, which detects abnormal proteins called cryoglobulins in a blood sample to screen for various diseases and conditions. Cryoglobulins are proteins that thicken in cold temperatures and dissolve when warmed. Cryoglobulins come in three main types, but in most cases, the cause is hepatitis C. The disease in which cryoglobulins are found is called cryoglobulinemia. Cryoglobulinemia is characterized by inflammation in blood vessels, called vasculitis, and kidney, nerves, joints, lungs, and skin inflammation.
A positive Cryoglobulin, Qualitative With Quantitative Reflex Blood Test, is associated with various diseases and conditions, such as:
- Infections such as Lyme disease, infectious mononucleosis (mono), hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS
- Kidney disease
- Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren syndrome
- Diseases characterized by an increase in lymphocytes, such as multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and lymphoid leukemia
- Disorders associated with inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis)
What are the three main types of cryoglobulins?
There are three main types of cryoglobulins, and they are categorized based on the type of antibodies they produce:
Type I cryoglobulinemia is most often associated with blood or immune system cancer. Types II and III are also referred to as mixed cryoglobulinemia. Types II and III are usually found in individuals with a long-lasting (chronic) inflammatory condition, such as an autoimmune disease or hepatitis C. For example, most people with type II cryoglobulinemia have a chronic hepatitis C infection.
When should I order a Cryoglobulin, Qualitative With Quantitative Reflex Blood Test?
Individuals may order this test if they have experienced symptoms related to cryoglobulinemia. Common signs or symptoms include the following:
- Bruising
- Rashes (purple patches)
- Joint and muscle pain
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Pain, paleness, bluing, numbness, tingling, and coldness in the fingers and toes with exposure to cold
- Skin ulcers
- Skin death (gangrene)
