Serum/plasma protein electrophoresis with bromocresol purple and bromocresol green staining
This test measures the different types of proteins in your blood, separated by size and charge, using a technique that detects specific protein bands with dyes.
["Helps identify abnormal protein patterns that may signal conditions like multiple myeloma, liver disease, or other protein disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2014-9
- Short code
- CA549
- Synonyms
- Cancer Ag549 SerPl Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, gold-top) or red-top tube for serum; lithium-heparin or EDTA plasma tube acceptable if plasma specimen is required
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 11
- Ref high
- 15
- Critical range
- 0.5 N/A – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- female
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (e.g., enzyme immunoassay, chemiluminescent immunoassay, or radioimmunoassay)
- CPT
- 86316
- SNOMED
- 11526-1
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum or plasma (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum/plasma stable for 24 hours at room temperature (15-25°C), 7 days at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C), and up to 3 months when frozen at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 25
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
Protein electrophoresis splits blood proteins into distinct bands based on their electrical charge and size. Bromocresol purple and bromocresol green dyes bind to specific protein groups, highlighting areas with higher concentrations. This helps doctors see if there are unusual spikes or dips in protein levels that might indicate health concerns.
Common Conditions Evaluated
This test is often used to diagnose conditions affecting protein production, such as multiple myeloma (a cancer of plasma cells), liver disease (which can alter protein synthesis), or certain types of kidney disease. It may also help monitor treatment progress or detect hidden protein abnormalities in blood.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in the arm. The blood is then processed to separate serum or plasma from cells. The sample is sent to a lab where it undergoes electrophoresis, a process that separates proteins based on their movement through an electric field.
When You Might Need This Test
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, fatigue, or if they suspect conditions like multiple myeloma, liver disease, or other protein-related disorders. It’s also used in follow-up care for patients with known protein disorders.
Reference range
Negative: <11 U/mL; Equivocal: 11-15 U/mL; Positive: >15 U/mL. Reference values vary by laboratory and assay manufacturer; clinical correlation required.N/A
No special preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Patient should inform their healthcare provider of any medications, recent imaging contrast studies, or concurrent illnesses prior to specimen collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test plays a key role in diagnosing and monitoring conditions that alter protein levels in the blood. For example, multiple myeloma often shows a distinct protein spike (M-protein) on electrophoresis, which helps confirm the diagnosis. Similarly, liver disease may cause abnormal protein patterns due to impaired synthesis of proteins like albumin.
Short name
Protein Electrophoresis (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor order this test?
How long will it take to get my results?
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