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Protein Electrophoresis Test
Serum Protein Electrophoresis, Protein ELP, SPE, SPEP, Gel Electrophoresis, Capillary Electrophoresis, Immunosubtraction Electrophoresis
- SummaryThe Protein Electrophoresis test separates and measures different proteins in the blood, helping diagnose conditions such as multiple myeloma, chronic inflammation, liver or kidney disease, and some immune disorders. It identifies abnormal protein levels and patterns. The test is performed using a blood sample (or sometimes urine), and fasting is usually not required, though your doctor may recommend it.Read more
- Reports Within31 HrsView Sample Report100% NABL & ISO Certified Labs
- SampleBlood
- AgeAll Age Group
- GenderMale and Female
- FastingNot Required
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A quick info on Protein Electrophoresis Test
Overview
The serum protein electrophoresis test (SPEP) measures the total protein and albumin and separates and measures the major protein fractions (alpha-1-globulin, alpha-2-globulin, beta globulins, and gamma globulin) in a blood sample. The test is also known as the serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) test.
Albumin plays an important role in preventing fluid from leaking out of the blood vessels into tissues. On the other hand, the globulins (alpha-1, alpha-2, beta-1, beta-2, and gamma proteins) play important roles in transport (e.g., lipids and hormones), immunity, and inflammation.
Abnormal blood protein levels in the body are seen in conditions such as multiple myeloma (cancer of plasma cells) and malnutrition. SPEP is particularly useful for detecting monoclonal proteins (M-spikes) in plasma cell disorders. This test is used by doctors to help diagnose and monitor the conditions that affect the amount of protein in the body and guide appropriate treatment.
When and Who Should Get a Protein Electrophoresis Test Done?
The test is recommended for individuals experiencing the following symptoms of conditions associated with abnormal protein levels:
Symptoms of multiple myeloma or related disorders:
- Fatigue
- Anaemia (low levels of red blood cells)
- Recurrent infections
- Bone pain
- Fractures
- Kidney issues
Symptoms of malnutrition:
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Diarrhoea
The protein electrophoresis test may be recommended to individuals with or suspected of having conditions such as:
- Cancers such as multiple myeloma, leukaemia or lymphoma
- Some autoimmune conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or rheumatoid arthritis
- Malnutrition
- Liver conditions like cirrhosis
- Kidney conditions like nephrotic syndrome
- Unexplained anaemia, elevated total protein or hypercalcaemia
- Recurrent infections or peripheral neuropathy
- Monitoring known monoclonal gammopathies
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How Frequently Should You Take the Protein Electrophoresis Test?
|
Health scenario |
Context |
Recommended frequency |
|---|---|---|
|
Routine testing |
To measure protein levels regularly and diagnose related conditions appropriately. |
It is generally not a routine test in healthy individuals and is performed only when clinically indicated. |
|
Symptomatic individuals |
To investigate abnormal protein levels and find out the underlying cause. |
As soon as symptoms are experienced; as advised by the doctor.2 |
|
Pregnant women |
To assess protein levels and avoid pregnancy-related complications. |
Not a routine investigation; it may be considered in specific cases like suspected pre-eclampsia or liver disorder. It is performed only when advised by the doctor.4 |
|
High-risk individuals |
To check for abnormal protein levels and monitor the related disorders. |
As advised by the doctor after diagnosis or during treatment.2 |
What Conditions Can a Protein Electrophoresis Test Help Detect?
The SPEP test alone cannot diagnose a condition, but it can be used with other tests to help diagnose and monitor conditions such as:
- Multiple myeloma – This refers to a cancer of plasma cells (a type of white blood cell and an important part of your immune system), which often shows a monoclonal M-spike.
- Protein-losing enteropathy – This is a condition in which a large amount of protein is lost from the digestive tract.
- Nephrotic syndrome – This is a kidney disorder characterised by excessive protein loss in the urine, low blood protein levels, elevated cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, increased risk of blood clots, and swelling throughout the body.
- Cirrhosis – This refers to the abnormal scarring of the liver tissue, which affects liver function.
- Malnutrition – A condition in which the body does not receive enough nutrients to stay healthy.
- Autoimmune diseases – Autoimmune conditions are a group of conditions that cause your immune system to attack your own healthy cells, for example, rheumatoid arthritis (pain and swelling in your joints) and Crohn’s disease (a chronic bowel disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract). These conditions can cause polyclonal hypergammaglobulinaemia.
- Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) – This is a condition characterised by high levels of certain proteins in the blood that do not have a medical reason.
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Protein Electrophoresis Test Preparation
What to Expect Before the Protein Electrophoresis Test
No fasting is required for a standalone Protein Electrophoresis test. You can eat and drink normally. However, if it is part of a broader package that includes fasting tests, your doctor may advise fasting for 8-12 hours. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the test, as intense physical activity can temporarily raise Protein Electrophoresis levels and affect interpretation. Always inform your doctor about any ongoing medications.
What to Expect During the Blood Collection
A phlebotomist cleans the skin with an antiseptic, then places an elastic band around your upper arm to make the veins easier to access. A small needle is inserted into the vein; you may feel a brief pinch. Blood is collected into a labelled tube in under a minute.
What to Expect After the Protein Electrophoresis Test
A small cotton swab and bandage are placed over the site to stop any minor bleeding. You can return to normal activities immediately. Minor bruising is normal and disappears quickly. If dizzy, sit and rest for a few minutes.
What are the Parameters Included in a Protein Electrophoresis Test?
In the serum protein electrophoresis test, the level of the following parameters in blood is measured:
- Total protein
- Alpha-1-globulin
- Alpha-2-globulin
- Beta-1-globulin
- Beta-2-globulin
- Gamma globulin
- Albumin (major fraction)
Normal Range of Protein Electrophoresis Test Parameters
The normal ranges for the protein electrophoresis test are indicated in the table below.
|
Protein |
Normal range (%) |
Normal range (concentration) |
|---|---|---|
|
Albumin |
55.8 - 66.1 |
3.6 - 5.4 |
|
Alpha-1-globulin |
2.9 - 4.9 |
0.2 - 0.4 |
|
Alpha-2-globulin |
7.1 - 11.8 |
0.5 - 1.0 |
|
Beta-1-globulin |
4.7 - 7.2 |
0.3 - 0.6 |
|
Beta-2-globulin |
3.2 - 6.5 |
0.2 - 0.5 |
|
Gamma globulin |
11.1 - 18.8 |
0.7 - 1.5 |
|
Total protein |
5.7 – 8.2 g/dL |
Note: The normal range may vary slightly based on the laboratory and individual health conditions.
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Protein Electrophoresis Test Result Interpretation
The table below provides a general interpretation of the protein electrophoresis test results based on whether the levels are low or high.
|
Protein |
What high levels may indicate |
What low levels may indicate |
|---|---|---|
|
Total protein |
This is usually seen in cases of dehydration and multiple myeloma or other conditions causing hyperproteinaemia. |
This may be seen in protein-losing enteropathy, malnutrition, nephrotic syndrome, and cirrhosis. |
|
Alpha-1-globulin |
This may be seen in conditions such as acute inflammatory disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis (condition in which the joints become inflamed), and systemic lupus erythematosus (a disease in which the immune system attacks its own healthy cells). |
This may be a sign of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. |
|
Alpha-2-globulin |
This may be seen in the case of acute or chronic inflammation. |
This may be seen in the case of haemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells) or severe liver disease. |
|
Beta-globulins |
This may be seen in hyperlipoproteinaemia (excess cholesterol in the blood) or familial hypercholesterolaemia (LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol is very high in the blood). |
This may indicate low levels of LDL cholesterol or malnutrition, or nephrotic syndrome. |
|
Gamma globulin |
This may indicate multiple myeloma, Waldenström macroglobulinaemia, chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, acute infection, or chronic liver disease. A monoclonal spike suggests a plasma cell disorder; polyclonal suggests inflammation/autoimmunity. |
Can be due to various genetic immune disorders. |
|
Albumin |
May indicate dehydration, ongoing medicines, a high protein diet or certain medical conditions. |
May indicate kidney or liver disease, malnutrition, inflammation, or infection. |
Note: It is important to correlate test results with the individual’s symptoms, results from other tests, age, and medical history. Abnormal patterns require further evaluation by a specialist.
Protein Electrophoresis Test Risks and Limitations
Like any other medical test, the serum protein electrophoresis test may have certain risks and limitations.
Risks:
The serum protein electrophoresis test is generally safe and involves minimal risk. You may experience slight pain when the needle is inserted or mild bruising afterwards, which usually resolves spontaneously.
Limitations:
- Fasting is usually not required, but your doctor may recommend it depending on other concurrent tests.
- Certain medicines (e.g., monoclonal antibody therapies, steroids, and certain supplements) may affect your test results. Consult your doctor to find out whether you need to stop taking these medicines temporarily. Recent infections, pregnancy, or dehydration can also influence test results.
Related and Follow-up Tests
Depending on your symptoms and results, your doctor might recommend certain additional tests to better understand your condition. These include:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Beta-2-microglobulin tumour marker test
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
- Albumin blood test
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis
- CSF immunoglobulin (IgG) index
- Urine protein electrophoresis and immunofixation
- Stool chymotrypsin test in case of malabsorption or steatorrhoea
Protein Electrophoresis Test Sample Collection: Home vs. Diagnostic Lab
|
Feature |
Home Collection (PharmEasy) |
Traditional Diagnostic Lab |
|---|---|---|
|
Convenience |
High - sample taken from your home or office. |
Low - requires travelling and waiting in queues. |
|
Time Saving |
Maximum - no travel time. You pick the time slot. |
Minimum - depends on traffic and lab rush. |
|
Safety & Comfort |
Safe - avoids exposure to other sick patients. |
Moderate - exposure to crowded waiting areas. |
|
Process |
A professional phlebotomist visits you. |
You must visit the facility during its hours. |
|
Report Access |
Digital - sent directly to your app or email. |
Often requires a second visit for physical copies. |
Pro Tip: For the most stress-free experience, book a Protein Electrophoresis test on PharmEasy. Enjoy professional service and accurate results without stepping out of your house.
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References
People Also Ask
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