Serum Protein Electrophoresis (Qualitative)
This test measures the different types of proteins found in your blood serum, helping identify abnormalities in protein distribution that may signal conditions like multiple myeloma, liver disease, or other disorders.
["This test helps doctors diagnose and monitor protein-related blood disorders by separating and analyzing protein bands."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26693-2
- Short code
- Deprecated S pneum12f Ab Ser-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Deprecated S pneum12f Ab Ser-mCnc
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 This Test Measures
Serum protein electrophoresis separates proteins into distinct bands based on their electrical charge and size. This process helps identify patterns that may indicate specific protein abnormalities, such as elevated or low levels of certain protein fractions (e.g., albumin, globulins).
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test to investigate symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, swelling, or changes in kidney function. It’s also used to monitor conditions like multiple myeloma, chronic liver disease, or autoimmune disorders where protein levels can be affected.
Preparation
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if blood is drawn early in the morning. Wear comfortable clothing and arrange for someone to drive you home if needed, as you may feel lightheaded from the blood draw.
What to Expect
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to draw blood. You may feel a brief pinch or discomfort, but the procedure usually takes less than 5 minutes. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis, where proteins are separated and examined under an electric field.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Serum Protein Electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
This test can reveal imbalances in protein fractions that may indicate underlying health issues. For example, an abnormal pattern might suggest conditions like multiple myeloma (where abnormal proteins called M proteins appear), liver disease (affecting albumin levels), or inflammatory diseases (altering globulin levels). Early detection can guide treatment decisions.
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on lab processing times. Your healthcare provider will discuss the findings with you during your follow-up visit.
Each band corresponds to a group of proteins with similar electrical charges. Common bands include albumin (fast-moving), alpha-globulins, beta-globulins, and gamma-globulins (slowest). Abnormal patterns may signal specific conditions, but your doctor will interpret the results with you.
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