Protein Electrophoresis Immunofixation Electrophoresis
Also known as: Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPE or SPEP), Urine Protein Electrophoresis (UPE or UPEP), IFE Formal name: Protein Electrophoresis and Immunofixation Electrophoresis Related tests:Albumin, Total Protein, Antibody Tests, Immunoelectrophoresis
Electrophoresis is used to identify the presence of abnormal proteins, to identify the absence of normal proteins, and to determine when different groups of proteins are increased or decreased in serum. It is frequently ordered to detect and identify monoclonal proteins – an excessive production of one specific immunoglobulin. Protein and immunofixation electrophoresis are ordered to help detect, diagnose, and monitor the course and treatment of conditions associated with these abnormal proteins, including multiple myeloma and a few other related diseases.
Protein is usually excreted in the urine in minute amounts. When it is present in moderate to large amounts, it often indicates some degree of kidney dysfunction and/or abnormal protein production. The primary reason that urine protein and immunofixation electrophoresis are ordered is to look for monoclonal protein production. This protein may show up in both the serum and urine, or it may be seen only in the urine.
Urine protein electrophoresis may also be ordered to help diagnose the cause and estimate the severity of protein excretion due to kidney damage or disease. This damage or disease may be due to diabetes, chronicinflammation, an autoimmune condition, or a malignancy. Electrophoresis is not usually necessary to assess the loss of small to moderate amounts of protein due to temporary conditions, such as a urinary tract infection or an acute inflammation.
Protein electrophoresis may be ordered when a doctor is investigating symptoms that suggest multiple myeloma, such as bone pain, anemia, fatigue, unexplained fractures, and recurrent infections. It may also be ordered as a follow-up to other laboratory tests, such as an abnormal total protein and/or albumin level, elevated urine protein levels, elevated calcium levels, and low white or red blood cell counts. Immunofixation electrophoresis is usually ordered when the protein electrophoresis test shows the presence of an abnormal protein band that may be an immunoglobulin.
Once a disease or condition has been diagnosed, electrophoresis may be ordered at regular intervals to monitor the course of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.
Monoclonal protein production may be due to a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Most patients with MGUS have a benign course, but they must continue to be monitored regularly as some may develop multiple myeloma after a number of years.
Serum protein electrophoresis may also be ordered when symptoms suggest an inflammatory condition, an autoimmune disease, an acute or chronic infection, a kidney or liver disorder, or a protein-losing condition. Urine protein electrophoresis may be ordered when there is protein detected in the urine or when the doctor suspects a monoclonal protein may be present.
What does the test result mean? NOTE: This test has no single number that identifies an abnormal result.
Your lab report (see a sample report) should include
a range of numbers (reference range) that identifies what is expected for you based on
your age, sex, and the method used in that laboratory. You can find more information
about expected results at Reference Ranges
and What They Mean. Lab Tests Online strongly recommends that you discuss the meaning of your test results with your doctor.
Protein and immunofixation electrophoresis tests give your doctor a rough estimate of how much of each protein is present. The value of protein electrophoresis lies in the proportions of proteins and in the patterns they create on the electrophoresis graph. The value of immunofixation electrophoresis is in the identification of the presence of a particular type of immunoglobulin.
Certain conditions or diseases may be associated with decreases or increases in various serum proteins, as reflected below.
Immunizations within the previous six months can increase immunoglobulins as can drugs such as phenytoin (Dilantin), procainamide, oral contraceptives, methadone, and therapeutic gamma globulin.
Aspirin, bicarbonates, chlorpromazine (Thorazine), corticosteroids, and neomycin can affect protein electrophoresis results.
This article was last reviewed on November 29, 2007.
This page was last modified on April 8, 2009.
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