Public Health Laboratory Protein Electrophoresis Panel
A laboratory panel that separates and measures protein fractions in a specimen to help evaluate the overall protein pattern and identify possible abnormalities.
["This panel evaluates the pattern of different proteins in a specimen and may help investigate unexplained or abnormal laboratory findings."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 81959-9
- Short code
- Pub health lab AOE pnl
- Synonyms
- Pub health lab AOE pnl
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 7
- Ref high
- 56
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302773008
- 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 is this test?
Protein electrophoresis is a laboratory method that separates proteins into fractions based on properties such as size and charge. A panel measures the relative amounts of the major protein fractions and may include calculations used to interpret the overall pattern.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be ordered to investigate an unexplained protein pattern, swelling, weakness, recurrent infections, or other findings that could be related to changes in particular proteins. It is sometimes used alongside urine, blood, or other laboratory studies to clarify the cause of an abnormality.
How is the test performed?
The laboratory processes the submitted specimen using electrophoresis, then estimates the amount of each separated protein fraction. The results are compared with the laboratory's reference pattern and interpreted together with your other test results and medical history.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by the ordering laboratory or healthcare professional. Some tests may require blood or urine collection and, in certain circumstances, fasting, but you should fast or stop medications only if your healthcare professional specifically tells you to do so.
Reference range
Adult males: 7-56 U/L; Adult females: 7-43 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An abnormal pattern may indicate an increase or decrease in one or more protein fractions, including immunoglobulins or proteins associated with inflammation. Certain patterns can occur with kidney, liver, inflammatory, infectious, or immune-system conditions. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare professional because electrophoresis findings are not diagnostic by themselves.
Short name
Protein electrophoresis panel
Frequently asked questions
Does this test identify the cause of a protein abnormality?
Will I need to fast before the test?
Can other laboratory tests help interpret the 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy