Protein Electrophoresis Test

Multiple Myeloma, Lymphoma, Leukaemia, Autoimmune Disorders, Kidney Disorders, Liver Disorders

Proteins are required by the cells and tissues for growth and repair. They are the building blocks for the body’s cells and tissues. The cells and tissues form the structural part of most of the body’s organs, and the proteins make up the enzymes and hormones in the body.

The Protein Electrophoresis test is a blood test that separates proteins and differentiates them based on their size and electrical charges. With the help of this test, you can monitor various diseases and medical conditions.

Your blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contain various types of proteins that help transport nutrients, remove toxins, and control all body functions.

There are two main types of proteins in our body -

Albumin - A protein synthesised in the liver and accounts for 60% of the protein in the blood.

Globulins - A group of proteins other than albumin. Most globulins are also synthesised in the liver except for the antibodies or immunoglobulins and some complement proteins.

These proteins are subjected to a controlled electric current which fractions them into a typical pattern of bands or peaks. These bands or peaks are then measured in the Protein Electrophoresis test. The proteins are divided into six groups - prealbumin, albumin, alpha 1, alpha 2, beta, and gamma. These protein groups are distinct and have specific concentrations.

Various diseases affect protein production and change the patterns on these bands. The Protein Electrophoresis test helps detect these changes and measures the levels of abnormal proteins in the blood.

Other Names of Protein Electrophoresis Test

• Gel Electrophoresis
• Capillary Electrophoresis
• Immunosubtraction Electrophoresis
• Protein ELP
• SPE
• SPEP
• Serum Protein Electrophoresis
• Serum Protein Electrophoresis

What does the Protein Electrophoresis Test measure?

The Protein Electrophoresis test measures the levels of different proteins - albumins and globulins present in the blood.

Who is the Protein Electrophoresis Test prescribed for?

The Protein Electrophoresis test is prescribed for all age groups and both genders. This test is prescribed in the following cases -

• If you have weakened bones that can result in soft spots and fractures.
• If you have carpal tunnel syndrome.
• If you have anaemia.
• If you have excessive bleeding and bruising.
• If you have kidney disorders.
• If you have frequent infections.
• If you have hyperviscosity syndrome - a condition where the thickness of your blood increases and can lead to headaches, problems with vision, seizures, and coma.
• If you have hypercalcemia - It leads to an increased level of calcium in your blood, leading to loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, constipation, thirst, and confusion.

What are the symptoms of high protein in blood?

Symptoms of high protein in the blood include:

• Pain in bones
• Numbness or tingling of feet, legs, hands
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent infections

The Protein Electrophoresis test values are measured in grams per decilitre (g/dL). Consult your doctor to understand your report and interpret the results.

The Protein Electrophoresis test results report how much of each protein is present in the blood.

Normal Protein Electrophoresis test ranges may vary depending on the laboratory.

High levels of total protein may indicate -

• Inflammation
• Infections like viral hepatitis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV
• Bone marrow disorders like multiple myeloma or Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia

Low levels of total protein may indicate -

• Malnutrition
• Kidney disorder - nephrotic syndrome
• Abnormal loss of protein from the gut
• The inability of the gut to absorb proteins (protein-losing enteropathy)
• Liver cirrhosis

High levels of albumin may indicate -

• Dehydration

Low levels of albumin may indicate -

• Malnutrition
• Malabsorption
• Kidney disease - nephrotic syndrome
• Liver disorder
• Inflammatory conditions

High levels of alpha 1 globulin may indicate -

• Inflammatory disorders

Low levels of alpha 1 globulin may indicate -

• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
• Severe liver disease

High levels of alpha 2 globulin may indicate -

• Kidney disease - nephrotic syndrome
• Acute or chronic inflammatory diseases

Low levels of alpha 2 globulin may indicate -

• RBC destruction (haemolysis)
• Malnutrition
• Severe liver disease

High levels of beta globulin may indicate -

• High blood cholesterol
• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Some cases of multiple myeloma or monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS)

Low levels of beta globulin may indicate -

• Malnutrition
• Autoimmune disorders

High levels of gamma globulin may indicate -

Polyclonal antibodies are a type of gamma globulin that is raised in these conditions:

• Chronic inflammatory disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Cirrhosis
• Chronic liver disease
• Infections
• Recent immunisation

Monoclonal antibodies produced by or derived from a single type (clone) of plasma cell can be raised in these conditions:

• Malignancy
• Multiple myeloma
• Lymphoma
• Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia - A rare form of blood cancer seen more in men than women, characterised by anaemia, infections, pain under the ribs, and painful swellings of lymph nodes.
• MGUS

Low levels of gamma globulin may indicate -

• Genetic immune disorders
• Secondary immune deficiency

Based on your Protein Electrophoresis test results, the doctor may require some other tests to confirm the clinical diagnosis.

The Protein Electrophoresis test requires a sample of your blood. This test is usually combined with other regular tests.

Protein Electrophoresis Test Preparation

The Protein Electrophoresis test takes a sample of your blood for testing. It does not require any special preparation.

a. Before the Protein Electrophoresis Test

You will have to stop eating red meat, raw vegetables and fruits at least 48-72 hours before the Protein Electrophoresis test. You will also have to stop medicines like vitamin C, iron supplements, NSAIDs, and blood thinners. You must consult your doctor before taking the test.

b. During the Protein Electrophoresis Test

It is a simple blood test that will get over in 5-10 minutes.

c. After the Protein Electrophoresis Test

There are no restrictions after the Protein Electrophoresis Test. Therefore, you can resume regular activity after the test.

Test inclusions: What parameters are included in the Protein Electrophoresis Test?

The parameters included in the Protein Electrophoresis test are levels of each of the following proteins -

• Total protein - The measure of all the proteins in your blood.
• Albumin - The measure of the highest protein in your body.
• Alpha-1 globulin - The measure of high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
• Alpha-2 globulin - The measure of a protein called haptoglobin. It binds with haemoglobin.
• Beta globulin - The measure of proteins that carry substances like iron and copper through the blood and fight infection.
• Gamma globulin - It is the measure of antibodies. Antibodies help prevent and fight infection by binding to foreign substances.

How frequently should you take the Protein Electrophoresis Test?

Your doctor may repeat the Protein Electrophoresis test based on your diagnosis and symptoms. Regular monitoring and testing allow your doctor to check the prognosis of your disease and how you are responding to the treatment. The Protein Electrophoresis test is usually repeated every 3-6 months to check for adherence to treatment.