Protein Electrophoresis, Serum (Qualitative)
This test measures the different types of proteins in your blood serum using electrophoresis, a technique that separates proteins based on size and charge.
["Protein electrophoresis helps identify abnormal protein patterns that may indicate conditions like multiple myeloma or other blood disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 27126-2
- Short code
- Deprecated S pneum14 Ab sp2 Ser-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Deprecated S pneum14 Ab sp2 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 Is Protein Electrophoresis Used For?
Protein electrophoresis is primarily used to detect unusual protein bands in the blood. These bands can reveal issues such as the presence of monoclonal proteins (often linked to diseases like multiple myeloma) or other abnormal protein patterns that might signal systemic conditions.
How Is This Test Performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from your arm and processed into serum. The serum is then placed in an electric field, causing proteins to migrate toward the opposite charge. After separation, the proteins are visualized to create a pattern that doctors analyze for abnormalities.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, or fatigue, or if they suspect conditions such as multiple myeloma, lymphoma, or other blood disorders that alter protein composition.
What Are Common Findings?
Common findings include the presence of a single, sharp peak (M-spike) indicating monoclonal gammopathy, broad bands suggesting dysproteinemias, or altered ratios of albumin to globulin that may point to liver or kidney disease.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Protein electrophoresis is a critical diagnostic tool for identifying monoclonal gammopathies (e.g., multiple myeloma), chronic inflammatory conditions, and other disorders affecting protein synthesis or breakdown. It helps guide treatment decisions by confirming or ruling out specific blood-related diseases.
Short name
Protein Electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive or abnormal result mean?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I prepare for 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy