Cryoglobulins are proteins that are abnormal. They can appear in three versions, but 9 out of 10 times, a positive result for these proteins indicates the presence of Hepatitis C. It may also be the cause of cryoglobulinemia, which is a disease where the cryoglobulins are found. When the blood is cooled below normal body temperature, the cryoglobulins will come out of the blood and form crystals.
Most people will not have these abnormal proteins in their blood. This means the presence of just 1 crystal will create a positive blood test. Lifestyle habits will not affect this test, so it can be taken the same day that it is ordered.
If Hepatitis C is not present and cryoglobulinemia is not suspected, then your doctor may order additional screenings and tests as conditions that affect the nervous system, the kidneys, your joints, or even the skin can also form these abnormal proteins.
What Are the Three Types of Cryoglobulins?
The most common type of cryoglobulins that are found in this blood test are classified as Type II. They have a rheumatoid factor associated with them and bind with immunoglobulins. There is also a variant on the Type II that may have a chemical structure that is similar to the immune system response to them that falls outside of the standard classification of these abnormal proteins. Type II cryoglobulins account for up to 60% of the total number that are found when all tests are averaged.
The Type III version is found in up to 30% of the total cases and these are the same as the Type II version, but have a different molecule structure.
Sometimes the abnormal proteins are composed of a single chain. These are considered Type I cyroglobulins and are the most difficult to detect. If there are part of a blood test, then it may indicate that renal failure has occurred. It is usually a urine test that is able to detect them.
What Does a Positive Result Mean For Me?
Although Hepatitis C is the most common cause for the presence of cryoglobulins in the blood, there are certain conditions that can also cause their presence. Mycoplasma pneumonia is one of the most common alternatives that will be looked at if Hepatitis C is not suspected. Some leukemias, autoiummune diseases, lupus, and multiple myeloma will also be looked at as possibilities. When all other items are screened out, the most likely diagnosis will be rheumatoid arthritis.
Here are some other conditions that may cause a positive result for cryoglobulins.
1. Lyme disease.
2. Kidney disease.
3. Infectious mononucleosis.
4. Vasculitis.
Certain symptoms may also cause a doctor to order this test. The most common symptom that indicates the presence of cryoglobulins are skin ulcers that begin to form for no known reason. If left untreated, these ulcers on the skin almost always turn into gangrene and eventual skin death. Unknown purple patches or unusual bruising on the skin may also indicate the presence of these abnormal proteins.
Those who suffer from the Raynaud Phenomenon will also want to have this blood test ordered. This phenomenon is characterized by numbing in the fingers and toes when exposed to cold weather. There may also be a blue tint to the skin, paleness, or pain associated with the condition.
What If My Cryoglobulin Blood Test Is Negative?
Most people will have a negative cryoglobulin blood test if they are healthy. It is not typically ordered unless the presence of these abnormal proteins is suspected. For those infected with Hepatitis C chronically, there is a 3% risk of going on to develop cryoglobulinemia later on. Most people with cryoglobulinemia have a chronic HCV infection, but most people with HCV will not develop the disease that is associated with these abnormal proteins.
In cases where high counts of cryoglobulins are present, apheresis may be performed to relieve some symptoms, but this may only provide temporary relief. The presence of cryoglobulins due to a bacterial infection will eventually go away on their own. For chronic conditions, however, there are no proactive actions that can be taken to remove the proteins. Immune suppressants and NSAID medications are typically ordered.
If you have received a positive test from your cryoglobulin blood test, then your doctor will likely order additional screenings or tests to determine the underlying cause of the condition. In the meantime, avoid the cold as much as possible, including contact with items in a freezer, to minimize bothersome symptoms.