Serum or Plasma Electrophoresis (Protein Electrophoresis)
This test measures the different types of proteins in your blood, including albumin, globulins, and other fractions, to check for conditions affecting protein balance.
["Helps identify protein abnormalities that may signal health concerns like liver disease, kidney issues, or certain cancers."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 28369-7
- Short code
- EMBARRASSEDBYTHEWAYILOOK
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 3.5
- Ref high
- 5
- Critical range
- 2.5 N/A – 6.5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- reported-living-hiv
- CPT
- 84132
- SNOMED
- 110742001
- 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 Proteins Are Measured?
Electrophoresis separates blood proteins based on their electrical charge, revealing distinct bands corresponding to albumin, alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. These bands help assess protein distribution and potential imbalances.
Why It’s Done
Your doctor may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions like multiple myeloma, liver disease, kidney problems, or inflammatory diseases. It can also help evaluate nutritional status or detect unusual protein patterns.
Sample Collection
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate serum or plasma for analysis.
Sample Type
This test uses either serum (blood without clotting factors) or plasma (blood with clotting factors removed). The method ensures accurate separation of protein fractions for analysis.
Reference range
Adult: 3.5-5.0 mmol/LN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal protein patterns may indicate underlying health issues, such as excessive protein loss (e.g., in kidney disease), protein overproduction (e.g., in myeloma), or liver dysfunction. It’s also useful for tracking treatment responses in chronic conditions.
Short name
Protein Electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
What does a protein electrophoresis test show?
How long does it take to get 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy