Estimation of Alterations of Serum Gamma Globulin by a Turbidimetric Technique

Abstract

When serum with abnormally high [gamma] globulin concn. is diluted with a soln. containing a certain small amt. of Cu or Zn sulfate, a turbid precipitate forms and the optical density of the suspension is proportional to the concn. of [gamma] globulin. Such an estimation of increase in [gamma] globulin really measures the total globulin elevation in pathologic sera because hyperglobulin-emia is almost always due to an alteration in the [gamma] globulin fraction of the serum. The test is useful for determining alterations in [gamma] globulin during the course of an acute illness such as infectious hepatitis. It is of particular value in detecting persistent liver disease following infectious hepatitis. In a group of 41 patients with cirrhosis of the liver, the reaction was positive in every case.