What causes low globulin levels?

Low globulin levels can indicate that someone is suffering from autoimmune disease, cirrhosis, kidney disease or multiple myeloma, according to Healthline. Doctors use a total protein test to measure globulin levels.

The total protein test measures the presence of globulin and albumin in the body. Usually, there is a slightly higher ratio of albumin to globulin. When protein levels overall are low, rather than just globulin, doctors may screen for:

• Liver or kidney disorders
• Bleeding
• Malnutrition or malabsorption conditions
• Severe or extensive burns
• Agammaglobulinemia

The total protein test does not provide a definitive diagnosis. Instead, doctors use further diagnostic tests to determine the cause of low globulin levels.