Serum Protein Electrophoresis (Qualitative)
This test measures the distribution of different protein fractions in your blood serum using electrophoresis, a technique that separates proteins based on size and charge.
["Electrophoresis helps identify abnormal protein patterns that may signal conditions like multiple myeloma, liver disease, or other disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17815-2
- Short code
- UBGL
- Synonyms
- B-Globulin ?Tm MFr Ur Elph
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine collection container; 24-hour or timed urine collection container with preservative if required by laboratory protocol
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 5
- Ref high
- 15
- Critical range
- 7.2 N/A – 7.6 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- electrophoresis
- CPT
- 84166
- SNOMED
- 104016005
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 10 mL for random urine; complete timed collection (typically 24-hour) when specified
- Stability
- Urine stable for 2-8 hours at room temperature. For prolonged storage, refrigerate at 2-8°C for up to 7 days or freeze at -20°C for longer storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Add preservative (e.g., thymol, toluene, or boric acid) as recommended by testing laboratory.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Proteins Does This Test Measure?
Electrophoresis splits blood proteins into five main bands: albumin, alpha-1 globulins, alpha-2 globulins, beta globulins, and gamma globulins. Each band represents different protein types, including antibodies, enzymes, and transport proteins.
Why Might You Need This Test?
This test is often used to diagnose conditions affecting protein production, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, or cancers like lymphoma or multiple myeloma. It may also help monitor treatment progress or detect liver or kidney disorders.
Sample Preparation and Testing Process
A blood sample is drawn, and serum is separated for analysis. The serum is then applied to a gel and subjected to an electric current, causing proteins to migrate based on their electrical charge and size. The resulting bands are visualized and interpreted.
Common Conditions Evaluated
Abnormal patterns may indicate conditions like multiple myeloma (excess gamma globulins), liver disease (reduced albumin), or chronic infections (increased alpha-2 globulins). It can also help identify hereditary conditions affecting protein structure.
Reference range
Beta globulin fraction is typically a minor component of urine protein. Results are reported as percentage of total urine protein or as a ratio. Beta globulin comprises approximately 5-15% of total urinary protein in healthy individuals. Interpretation requires correlation with total urine protein, clinical history, and other protein fractions (albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, gamma globulins).N/A
No special preparation required. Patients should follow normal hydration and dietary habits. Inform the laboratory and clinician of any medications, supplements, or recent diagnostic procedures that may affect results. For timed collections, ensure accurate timing and complete collection of all urine during the specified period.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test plays a critical role in identifying systemic protein abnormalities that may not be detected by individual protein measurements alone. It provides a comprehensive overview of protein distribution, guiding diagnosis and treatment planning for conditions affecting protein synthesis or metabolism.
Short name
Qual Serum Protein Electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
What does a serum protein electrophoresis test involve?
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can this test detect early signs of diseases like cancer or liver disease?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy