Serum Protein Electrophoresis (Qualitative)
This test measures the distribution of different protein fractions in your blood serum using electrophoresis, a technique that separates proteins based on size and charge.
["Helps identify abnormal protein patterns that may signal underlying health conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53592-2
- Short code
- Gamma 2 glob abnormal SerPl Elph-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Gamma 2 glob abnormal SerPl Elph-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- electrophoresis
- 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
Electrophoresis separates blood proteins into five main bands: albumin, alpha-1 globulins, alpha-2 globulins, beta globulins, and gamma globulins. Each band represents a group of proteins with similar electrical charges. Abnormal patterns may indicate conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain cancers.
Why It’s Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions such as multiple myeloma, lymphoma, chronic infections, or liver/kidney diseases. It’s also used to evaluate protein abnormalities in conditions like nephrotic syndrome or certain inflammatory disorders.
Common Conditions Detected
Abnormal results may show elevated or low levels of specific protein bands. For example, high gamma globulins might suggest an immune disorder, while low albumin could indicate liver disease or malnutrition.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate serum (the liquid part after clotting). The serum is analyzed to determine protein distribution.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is critical for identifying systemic protein disorders that may not show up in routine blood tests. Abnormal patterns can guide treatment decisions, such as adjusting medications for autoimmune diseases or planning therapy for blood cancers. Early detection of protein abnormalities can improve outcomes by allowing timely interventions.
Short name
Serum Protein Electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal electrophoresis result mean?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I eat or drink anything 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