General Protein Electrophoresis (Serum)
This test measures the different types of proteins in your blood, which helps identify abnormalities in protein levels that may signal conditions like kidney disease, liver problems, or certain cancers.
Protein electrophoresis helps diagnose and monitor conditions affecting protein balance in your blood.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 64377-5
- Short code
- FULLTIMEADVANCEDPRACTICENURSESTAFFPOSITIONSFILLEDATENDOFPERIOD
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Critical range
- 0.5 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 Proteins Does This Test Measure?
Electrophoresis separates blood proteins into fractions based on size and electrical charge. Key components include albumin, globulins (such as alpha, beta, and gamma globulins), and other minor proteins. These fractions can indicate underlying health issues by revealing imbalances or unusual patterns.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like swelling, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or if they suspect conditions like multiple myeloma, liver disease, or kidney problems. It’s also used to monitor treatment progress for certain disorders.
Common Conditions Linked to Abnormal Results
Abnormal protein patterns can signal conditions such as multiple myeloma (a cancer of plasma cells), liver disease (affecting albumin and globulins), kidney disease (proteinuria), or autoimmune disorders. High or low levels of specific proteins may point to these issues.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn, usually from your arm, and sent to a lab. The serum (liquid part of blood without clots) is then separated and analyzed using electrophoresis, which sorts proteins by size and charge on a gel. Results are compared to reference ranges for interpretation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Protein electrophoresis is critical for diagnosing and managing conditions where protein levels or patterns deviate from normal. For example, elevated gamma globulins may suggest multiple myeloma, while low albumin could indicate liver or kidney disease. Early detection allows for timely treatment adjustments.
Short name
Protein Electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
What Does a Normal Test Result Mean?
How Often Should I Get This Test?
Can Diet or Medications Affect 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy