What is electrophoresis serum blood test?

What is electrophoresis serum blood test?

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 diseases does a serum protein electrophoresis test 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.

What causes high serum protein electrophoresis?

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.

What are serum protein disorders?

Serum protein electrophoresis is generally considered in any patient with an elevated total protein, especially those with elevated globulin level relative to albumin, or any signs and symptoms suggestive of an underlying plasma cell disorder such as multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, or primary …

What does abnormal serum protein electrophoresis mean?

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. Myeloma affects white blood cells called plasma cells in the bone marrow.

When is serum protein electrophoresis indicated?

Serum protein electrophoresis is most commonly ordered when multiple myeloma is suspected and observation of a monoclonal band (paraprotein) indicates that monoclonal gammopathy may be present in the patient.

What is electrophoresis used for?

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 the molecules through a gel or other matrix.

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.

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 causes electrophoresis?

Electrophoresis is due to charge on colloidal particles, the charged particles move towards one of the electrodes in electric field.

When do you use serum electrophoresis?

Serum protein electrophoresis may also be used when symptoms suggest an inflammatory condition, an autoimmune disease, an acute or chronic infection, a kidney or liver disorder, or a protein-losing condition, even if the total protein and/or albumin concentrations are apparently normal.

What is multiple myeloma see signs and symptoms?

Low blood counts Shortages of red blood cells, white blood cells, and blood platelets are common in multiple myeloma and might lead to other symptoms. Anemia: A reduced number of red blood cells that can cause weakness, a reduced ability to exercise, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

What can gel electrophoresis tell you?

Gel electrophoresis and DNA Electrophoresis enables you to distinguish DNA fragments of different lengths. DNA is negatively charged, therefore, when an electric current is applied to the gel, DNA will migrate towards the positively charged electrode.

Why is electrophoresis test done?

What is it used for? Hemoglobin electrophoresis measures hemoglobin levels and looks for abnormal types of hemoglobin. It’s most often used to help diagnose anemia, sickle cell disease, and other hemoglobin disorders.

What is the importance of electrophoresis?

Electrophoresis analysis is used in forensics to compare DNA, in medical laboratories to do genetic testing, and in microbiology labs to identify microorganisms. In addition to analyzing proteins or DNA, electrophoresis is also used to create purified samples of proteins.