Protein Electrophoresis (Serum or Plasma)
This test measures the different types of proteins in your blood, including albumin and globulins, which helps assess protein balance and potential conditions like liver disease or kidney problems.
["Protein electrophoresis helps doctors diagnose and monitor conditions affecting protein levels in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12845-4
- Short code
- Prot sp3 DiafP-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Prot sp3 DiafP-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 10
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82105
- SNOMED
- 394971007
- 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 size and charge, revealing distinct bands corresponding to albumin (the most abundant protein, typically appearing first) and various globulins (including antibodies, which may shift with immune responses or infections).
Why Is This Test Done?
Doctors order this test to evaluate protein disorders, such as hypoalbuminemia (low albumin), which can indicate liver disease, malnutrition, or kidney issues. It may also help identify conditions like multiple myeloma (abnormal globulin spikes) or inflammatory diseases.
Sample Collection and Preparation
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually in the arm. The sample is processed to separate serum or plasma, then analyzed via electrophoresis to separate proteins by their electrical charge.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is critical for diagnosing or monitoring conditions like cirrhosis (liver disease), nephrotic syndrome (kidney disease), and certain cancers (e.g., multiple myeloma). Abnormal patterns may also signal chronic inflammation or immune disorders.
Reference range
Normal: <10 ng/mLN/A
No special preparation required. For PSA, avoid sexual activity for 24-48 hours before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Protein electrophoresis is a non-invasive, widely used test that provides detailed insights into protein composition, guiding treatment decisions for conditions affecting blood protein balance.
Short name
Protein Electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
What does a protein electrophoresis test show?
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can diet affect protein electrophoresis results?
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