Protein Electrophoresis, Serum
Also known as: Electrophoresis, Serum
Use
A principal use of this test is in the detection of monoclonal gammopathies. These are usually found in association with hemic neoplasms, especially multiple myeloma. They also occur in other benign and malignant conditions. Any such protein detected should be identified by an alternative technique, such as immunofixation or immunoelectrophoresis.
Special Instructions
All patients with monoclonal gammopathies should be followed with periodic serum protein electrophoresis to differentiate stable from increasing M spikes. Increasing M proteins require further evaluation with additional tests such as bone marrow examination and urine protein electrophoresis.
Limitations
In evaluating multiple myeloma, 12% of patients may not be detected by serum protein electrophoresis alone. Therefore, the addition of serum free light chains and immunofixation increases detection to over 99% in line with recommended guidelines. Absolute values should be used for interpretation rather than relative percentages.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 24351-9
- 2885-2
- 2862-1
- 2865-4
- 2868-8
- 2871-2
- 2874-6
- 33358-3
- 10834-0
- 1759-0
- 77202-0
- 11502-2
Result Turnaround Time
3-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C.
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis; plasma instead of serum
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 3 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |