Serum Calcium (Total) with Electrophoresis-Based Qualitative Assessment of Protein Electrophoretic Pattern
This test measures your total calcium level in your blood and evaluates the pattern of proteins separated by electrophoresis, which can help identify abnormalities in protein distribution.
["Checks calcium levels and protein patterns to spot potential metabolic or protein disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26155-2
- Short code
- XR Scapula-L Views
- Synonyms
- XR Scapula-L Views
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- xr
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like muscle weakness, bone pain, or signs of abnormal protein levels. It could also be part of routine screening for conditions affecting calcium metabolism or protein synthesis.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re on certain medications or have conditions like kidney disease, let your provider know beforehand.
What the Test Results Mean
Calcium levels help diagnose conditions like hypocalcemia (low calcium) or hypercalcemia (high calcium). The protein electrophoresis part can reveal issues like multiple myeloma (abnormal protein spikes) or other protein disorders.
Common Conditions This Test Helps Identify
This test can help diagnose metabolic bone diseases, kidney disorders, thyroid issues, or protein-related conditions like amyloidosis or paraproteinemias (excess abnormal proteins).
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Calcium and protein electrophoresis together provide a comprehensive picture of electrolyte and protein balance. Low calcium may indicate vitamin D deficiency, kidney problems, or hypoparathyroidism, while abnormal protein patterns can signal cancers or immune system disorders.
Short name
Serum Calcium & Protein Electrophoresis Profile
Frequently asked questions
What does a ‘protein electrophoresis pattern’ mean in this test?
Can fasting affect this test?
How long does it take to get 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