Protein Electrophoresis (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures the different types of proteins in your blood, including albumin and globulins, which help identify conditions like kidney disease, liver problems, or immune disorders.
["Helps diagnose and monitor conditions affecting protein balance in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33976-2
- Short code
- Deprecated PAI1 Ag PPP EIA-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Deprecated PAI1 Ag PPP EIA-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- eia
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Protein electrophoresis separates blood proteins into distinct bands based on size and charge. This helps doctors spot unusual patterns that might signal underlying health issues, such as abnormal protein production or breakdown.
How the Test Works
A small blood sample is drawn, and the proteins are separated using an electric field. Different proteins move at different speeds, creating visible bands that are analyzed for quantity and quality.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to check for conditions like multiple myeloma (overproduction of abnormal proteins), nephrotic syndrome (kidney-related protein loss), or liver diseases (abnormal protein synthesis).
Sample Collection & Preparation
Blood is collected in a tube that separates serum or plasma from cells. The sample is then processed and sent to a lab for electrophoresis analysis.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Protein Profile
Frequently asked questions
Protein electrophoresis can reveal subtle but critical clues about your health, such as identifying the cause of unexplained swelling, fatigue, or kidney/liver dysfunction. It’s also used to monitor treatment progress for certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.
Results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours, depending on lab processing times. Your healthcare provider will discuss the findings with you during your follow-up visit.
Abnormal results may indicate conditions like proteinuria (excess protein in urine), monoclonal gammopathy (unusual protein spikes), or metabolic disorders. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
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