What does a serum protein electrophoresis test for?
The serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) test measures specific proteins in the blood to help identify some diseases. Proteins are substances made up of smaller building blocks called amino acids. Proteins carry a positive or a negative electrical charge, and they move in fluid when placed in an electrical field.
What is serum protein analysis?
A total serum protein test measures the total amount of protein in the blood. It also measures the amounts of two major groups of proteins in the blood: albumin and globulin. Albumin. This is made mainly in the liver. It helps keep the blood from leaking out of blood vessels.
Which test is used for estimation of serum protein?
Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is a laboratory technique that’s used to determine the levels of some types of proteins in a blood sample. There are a number of reasons why a doctor may order this test.
What is the principle used in protein electrophoresis?
Principle The separation of proteins by electrophoresis is based on the fact that charged molecules usually migrate through a matrix/medium upon application of an electrical field [3].
What does abnormal serum protein mean?
Elevated total protein may indicate: inflammation or infections, such as viral hepatitis B or C, or HIV. bone marrow disorders, such as multiple myeloma or Waldenstrom’s disease.
What happens if serum protein is high?
High total protein: Too much protein in your blood can be a sign of chronic infection or inflammation (like HIV/AIDS or viral hepatitis). It can also be an early sign of a bone marrow disorder. Low A/G ratio: This might be the sign an autoimmune disorder, where your body’s immune system attacks healthy cells.
What is the normal serum protein level?
The normal serum protein level is 6 to 8 g/dl. Albumin makes up 3.5 to 5.0 g/dl, and the remainder is the total globulins. These values may vary according to the individual laboratory.
What is normal serum protein?
Normal Results The normal range is 6.0 to 8.3 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or 60 to 83 g/L. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What are the symptoms of too much protein?
Symptoms associated with too much protein include:
- intestinal discomfort and indigestion.
- dehydration.
- unexplained exhaustion.
- nausea.
- irritability.
- headache.
- diarrhea.
Why is my serum total protein high?
A high total protein level could indicate dehydration or a certain type of cancer, such as multiple myeloma, that causes protein to accumulate abnormally. If the result of a total protein test is abnormal, further tests will be needed to identify which proteins are too high or too low.
What disease is caused by excess protein?
Amyloidosis is a condition in which too much of a particular protein (amyloid) collects in the organs, so that they are not able to work normally. Amyloidosis can affect the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system, stomach or intestines.
What do you need to know about serum electrophoresis?
1 The Serum Protein Electrophoresis procedure is intended for. 2 the separation and quantitation of serum proteins using cellu- 3 lose acetate electrophoresis. 4 Serum contains over one hundred individual proteins, each. 5 with a specific set of functions and subject to specific variation. 6 (more items)
How are proteins fractionated in zone electrophoresis?
Since the introduction of moving-boundary electrophoresis by Tiselius2and the subsequent use of zone electrophoresis, serum proteins have been fractionated on the basis of their electrical charge into five classical fractions: albumin, alpha 1 , alpha 2 , beta, and gamma proteins.
What should I do after a protein electrophoresis test?
The serum protein electropherogram or densitometric tracing observed, appropriate follow-up studies should be initiated. These may include immunoelectrophoresis, immunofixation, quantitation of individual component immunoglobulins, bone marrow examination, and other appropriate tests.
What kind of solution is used for protein electrophoresis?
After the proteins are separated, the plate is placed in a solution of sulfosalicylic acid and Ponceau S (to stain the protein bands). The staining intensity is related to protein concentration.6After dehydration in methanol, the plate background is then rendered transparent by treatment with a clearing solution.