What is serum protein electrophoresis used for?
Serum protein electrophoresis is used to identify patients with multiple myeloma and other serum protein disorders. Electrophoresis separates proteins based on their physical properties, and the subsets of these proteins are used in interpreting the results.
Which electrophoresis technique is classically used for serum protein electrophoresis?
Classically, serum protein agarose gel electrophoresis (SPAGE) or cellulose acetate electrophoresis has been used as the screening test of choice for the evaluation of serum M proteins 2.
What is electrophoresis technique?
Electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate DNA, RNA, or protein molecules based on their size and electrical charge. An electric current is used to move molecules to be separated through a gel. Pores in the gel work like a sieve, allowing smaller molecules to move faster than larger molecules.
How is a protein electrophoresis test performed?
It involves exposing serum placed in a special type of gel to an electric current. This causes the different types of proteins to move and group together. The proteins create separate bands on the gel, which are then analyzed by the laboratory.
What does serum protein indicate?
Consistently high serum total protein levels can indicate the following health conditions: inflammation from infections, such as HIV or viral hepatitis. cancers, such as multiple myeloma. dehydration.
What is the difference between serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation?
Urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) is used to identify the presence of the Bence Jones protein in urine. Immunofixation is used to identify the subtype of protein (ie, IgA lambda).
How does serum protein analysis help the patient with underlying conditions?
Electrophoresis separates the serum proteins into broad groups based on their size and electrical charge. The results of the analysis are displayed on a special graph, and the pattern of the different proteins is used to help diagnose specific diseases, including some types of cancer.
What are the basic principles of electrophoresis?
Principles. Electrophoresis is a general term that describes the migration and separation of charged particles (ions) under the influence of an electric field. An electrophoretic system consists of two electrodes of opposite charge (anode, cathode), connected by a conducting medium called an electrolyte.
What are the two types of electrophoresis?
This technique is divided into two types viz slab electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis.
Why is a protein electrophoresis test done?
The test separates proteins in the blood based on their electrical charge. The protein electrophoresis test is often used to find abnormal substances called M proteins. The presence of M proteins can be a sign of a type of cancer called myeloma, or multiple myeloma.
What does a high serum protein mean?
Usually, the amount of total protein in your blood is relatively stable. High blood protein may be a symptom of underlying medical conditions, including dehydration, infections like hepatitis C or cancers like multiple myeloma.