Serum Protein Electrophoresis with Immunofixation (24-Hour Urine Collection)
This test measures protein patterns in your blood serum and checks for specific proteins in your urine over 24 hours, often used to identify conditions affecting protein balance or kidney function.
["Helps detect abnormal protein levels or kidney disease by analyzing blood and urine protein profiles."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 101666-6
- Short code
- M Protein isotype 24h Ur MS.MALDI-TOF
- Synonyms
- M Protein isotype 24h Ur MS.MALDI-TOF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 400
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ms-maldi-tof
- CPT
- 82670
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like swelling, frequent urination, or unexplained weight changes. It’s also used to monitor kidney function, track protein disorders (such as multiple myeloma), or evaluate conditions like nephrotic syndrome or systemic lupus erythematosus.
Blood Test: Serum Protein Electrophoresis
A small blood sample is drawn to separate proteins in your serum using electrophoresis. This helps identify abnormal protein bands that may indicate conditions like multiple myeloma or other protein-related disorders.
Urine Test: 24-Hour Protein Collection
You’ll collect all urine over 24 hours in a container to measure total protein excretion. This helps assess kidney function and detect hidden protein loss (e.g., in diabetic nephropathy or glomerulonephritis).
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for the blood test, but for the urine collection, wear comfortable clothes and plan to collect urine every few hours. Drink plenty of water to support kidney function during testing.
Reference range
Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Protein Electrophoresis (Urinalysis)
Frequently asked questions
Abnormal protein patterns in blood or urine may signal kidney disease, immune disorders, or metabolic conditions. For example, high albumin in urine could indicate kidney damage, while unusual bands in serum electrophoresis may reveal hidden cancers or inflammatory diseases.
A normal result typically shows balanced protein levels in blood and urine, with no unusual bands or high protein excretion. However, results depend on your overall health, so follow-up may be needed if symptoms persist.
Dietary changes (e.g., high-protein or low-sodium diets) may influence protein levels, so avoid extreme diets unless approved by your provider. Hydration is key for urine collection.
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