Protein, Total and Protein Electrophoresis,24‑Hour Urine with Reflex to IFE
Also known as: UPEP, Total Protein Electrophoresis
Use
This test measures total protein and performs protein electrophoresis on a 24‑hour urine collection to detect monoclonal proteins. If a discrete electrophoretic band suggestive of monoclonal immunoglobulins is detected, immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) is reflexively performed to characterize immunoglobulin types.
Special Instructions
Record total volume on requisition and on aliquot bottle. If a monoclonal band is identified, immunofixation is performed at an additional charge.
Limitations
Urine must be a complete 24‑hour collection; incomplete or random samples may compromise quantitative accuracy. Reflex IFE is only performed when an abnormal band is detected, so early test may not detect all monoclonal proteins without electrophoretic evidence.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
25 mL
Minimum Volume
10 mL
Container
plastic urine container
Collection Instructions
Collect unpreserved 24‑hour urine; record volume on requisition and aliquot bottle.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 4 days |
| Refrigerated | 5 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |