Protein Electrophoresis, Serum
Also known as: SPEP
Use
Protein electrophoresis in serum is a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting monoclonal gammopathies, including multiple myeloma. This test helps in identifying and quantifying serum monoclonal protein, providing essential information for the diagnosis and management of plasma cell dyscrasias. It is also useful in detecting various pathophysiologic states such as inflammation, protein loss, and dysproteinemias. Although serum protein electrophoresis is a useful screening tool, immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) offers enhanced sensitivity for the identification of small M-proteins, particularly in conditions such as amyloidosis and macroglobulinemia.
Special Instructions
A copy of the electrophoresis graph will follow the final report. This test is New York state approved and is performed daily from Sunday to Saturday, with results reported in 1-3 days.
Limitations
While serum protein electrophoresis is an effective screening test, it has limitations in sensitivity compared to immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE), especially for detecting small monoclonal proteins. Hence, conditions such as amyloidosis, early or treated myeloma, and solitary plasmacytoma may benefit from follow-up testing with IFE to confirm the presence of monoclonal proteins and improve diagnostic accuracy.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2862-1
- 2865-4
- 2868-8
- 2871-2
- 2874-6
- 2885-2
- 49275-1
- 33358-3
- 11526-1
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1.5 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
ARUP standard transport tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Use a serum separator tube (SST) for collection.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated storage required after separation from cells.
Causes for Rejection
Plasma specimens are unacceptable.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 1 week |
| Frozen | 1 month |