Protein electrophoresis - serum

Protein Electrophoresis - Serum

Protein electrophoresis is a laboratory procedure used to separate proteins based on their size and charge. It separates proteins based on their relative mobility of each type in an electric field. Protein electrophoresis of serum is a test used to measure the amount and types of proteins in the liquid portion of blood, commonly used to help diagnose certain disorders such as multiple myeloma and certain forms of leukemia.

Preparation

For protein electrophoresis, a sample of serum is collected and placed in a special solution, which is then applied to a gel plate. An electric current is applied to the plate, which then separates the proteins according to size and charge.

Procedure

• A sample of serum is collected
• It is placed in a special solution
• The solution is then applied to a gel plate.
• An electric current is applied to the plate.
• The proteins are then separated according to size and charge.
• The separated proteins are stained with special dyes and visible on the gel.
• The pattern of the stained proteins is analyzed to determine the presence of any abnormal proteins.

Types

There are two types of protein electrophoresis – serum protein electrophoresis and urine protein electrophoresis. Serum protein electrophoresis is used to measure the amount and types of proteins in the liquid portion of the blood. Urine protein electrophoresis is used to measure proteins in the urine. Both tests may be used to help diagnose certain disorders.

Risks

Protein electrophoresis is a safe procedure and does not require any special preparation. There are no known risks associated with this test.

Why

Protein electrophoresis is a valuable tool in clinical diagnosis and monitoring of patients with multiple myeloma and certain forms of leukemia. It is also useful in diagnosing other disorders, such as amyloidosis, monoclonal gammopathy, and kidney disease.

When

Protein electrophoresis of serum may be ordered when a patient has a suspected suspicion of certain disorders, such as multiple myeloma, myeloproliferative disorders, and certain types of kidney disease. It may also be ordered as part of a routine workup to evaluate patients with certain medical conditions, such as cancer.