Cancer Serum/Plasma Protein Electrophoresis (Qualitative)
This test examines the protein composition in your blood serum or plasma to help identify unusual patterns that may suggest conditions like multiple myeloma, lymphoma, or other cancers.
["This test helps detect abnormal protein levels that could signal cancer or other blood disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 30538-3
- Short code
- CANCA
- Synonyms
- c-ANCA Ser Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum collection tube (no anticoagulant) or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Critical range
- 0.5 N/A – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) using ethanol-fixed and formalin-fixed neutrophil substrates; titer determination with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) anti-human IgG conjugate
- CPT
- 86255
- SNOMED
- 31667009
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
Electrophoresis separates proteins in your blood based on size and electrical charge. The test looks for bands or patterns that differ from normal, which may indicate the presence of abnormal proteins (e.g., monoclonal proteins) or other protein abnormalities.
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, bone pain, or if they suspect blood cancers, kidney disease, or other conditions affecting protein levels.
Sample Collection
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is processed to separate serum or plasma, which is then analyzed in a lab.
Preparation
No special preparation is needed, but inform your provider if you’re taking medications that might affect blood proteins.
Reference range
Negative: No classic (C-ANCA) pattern detected at screening dilution (typically <1:20). Positive results are reported as a titer (e.g., 1:20, 1:40, 1:80, 1:160, or higher) indicating the highest dilution showing detectable fluorescence.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any immunosuppressive therapy, as treatment may affect antibody titers.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Qual Serum Protein Electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What does a normal result mean?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy