Biochemical problems caused by some cryoglobulins.

An unsuspected cryoglobulinaemia may be responsible for incorrect serum protein results and thus cause dysglobulinaemia to remain undetected. When cryoglobulins precipitate above laboratory temperature, they will be removed with the clot during centrifugation of the blood sample if they have not previously been suspected clinically or biologically. In the case of massive cryoglobulinaemia, one might find normal protein results but such results are incorrect and if only total protein estimation has been requested, dysglobulinaemia can remain undetected. However, if electrophoresis can also been carried out, a slight abnormality of the gamma globulin fraction might be observed and this ought to incite one to look for cryoglobulin by the usual method (i.e. at 37 degrees C), even in the absence of clinical evidence.