Urine Protein Electrophoresis, Qualitative
A urine test that separates proteins into groups to identify abnormal protein patterns associated with kidney or plasma-cell disorders.
["This test helps identify unusual urine protein patterns that may indicate kidney disease or increased monoclonal light chains."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 15973-1
- Short code
- Deprecated Rabbit Urine Prot IgE RAST Ql
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Rabbit Urine Prot IgE RAST Ql
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- 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
What is this test?
Urine protein electrophoresis is a laboratory method that separates proteins in urine into different groups. A qualitative result reports which protein fractions are present rather than providing exact measurements.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be used to evaluate unexplained protein in the urine or help identify the source of a protein pattern. It can also support evaluation for conditions affecting antibody-producing plasma cells, including multiple myeloma.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is analyzed in the laboratory using electrophoresis. The resulting protein bands or fractions are reviewed to determine whether the pattern is normal or abnormal.
How do I prepare for the test?
Urine protein electrophoresis generally uses a routine or first-morning urine sample unless your clinician requests a timed collection. Follow the laboratory's collection instructions, and tell the clinician if you are taking medicines or recently had an infection.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An abnormal result may indicate increased urinary albumin, light chains, or other proteins associated with kidney dysfunction. An unusual monoclonal protein pattern can suggest a plasma-cell disorder but does not establish that diagnosis by itself and may require blood, urine, or imaging tests for confirmation.
Short name
Urine protein electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
Does this test diagnose multiple myeloma?
Is a urine protein electrophoresis result the same as a routine urinalysis?
Do I need to collect urine for a specific number of hours?
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