Serum or Plasma Protein Electrophoresis (Qualitative or Quantitative)

Your doctor may order a protein electrophoresis test to help find, diagnose, or monitor conditions that affect the proteins in your blood, such as multiple myeloma, kidney or liver disease, malnutrition, chronic inflammation, or certain immune disorders. It can also be used to track how well treatment is working over time.

Doctors may order this test to investigate symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, bone pain, or swelling in the arms/legs. It’s also used to monitor conditions like multiple myeloma, kidney disease, or liver problems. Sometimes, it’s part of a routine check for people at higher risk of certain blood disorders.

This test separates the different proteins in a blood sample by passing an electric current through it. Because each type of protein moves at its own rate, the test creates a pattern that shows whether any protein groups, such as albumin or globulins, are too high, too low, or otherwise abnormal.

A small blood sample is taken from your arm. The blood is then separated into its components, and proteins are applied to a gel. An electric current runs through the gel, causing proteins to move based on their size and electrical charge. The result is a pattern of bands that show the distribution of different proteins.

A health professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle, and the process usually takes only a few minutes. In most cases, no special preparation is needed, but your care team may ask you to avoid certain medications or to fast briefly beforehand, so follow any instructions you are given.

The test can use either serum (blood without clotting factors) or plasma (blood with clotting factors). You may need to fast for a few hours before the test, depending on your doctor’s instructions. Avoid eating or drinking anything except water for that time.

Results are reported as the amounts of each protein group, such as albumin and the alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Levels that fall outside the normal range can point to inflammation, infection, kidney or liver problems, or certain blood disorders. Your doctor will review the overall pattern with you and may order follow-up tests before making a diagnosis.

Results are compared to a standard pattern. Abnormal bands or unusual protein levels may point to specific conditions. Your doctor will discuss the findings with you, including any follow-up tests or treatments needed.