Name |
Electrophoresis (Serum) |
Alternative name/Profile |
ELEC, Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP), Multiple Myeloma (MM), Bence Jones Protein (BJP), Free light chains, FKFL, IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, GAM, Immunoglobulins, Paraprotein, Monoclonal Gammopathy of Unknown Significance (MGUS) |
Department |
Immunology |
Investigation |
Capillary Zone Electrophoresis (CZE) (Sebia, Capillarys 3 Tera) |
Specimen type |
Clotted blood
|
Sample type |
Serum |
Sample container & volume |
5ml Red |
Frequency of analysis |
Daily Monday to Friday |
Turnaround time |
4 days |
Availability |
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Notes |
Useful for:
- Detecting (when used in conjunction with immunofixation) monoclonal gammopathies.
- Monitoring monoclonal gammopathies.
Clinical Information:
- Serum proteins may be divided into six fractions using electrophoresis; the albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta-1, beta-2 and gamma regions.
- The concentration of the regions and pattern of the electrophoreis can be charateristic of some disease processes. These include monoclonal gammopathies, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency and some inflammatory conditions.
- A monoclonal band in the gamma region, and occasionally in the alpha and beta regions, is characteristic of Multiple Myeloma or a Monoclonal Gammopathy of Unknown Significance (MGUS).
- Immunofixation is used to identify the heavy chain and/or light chain of the monoclonal protein and is requested by the laboratory.
- Quantitation of the monoclonal band is used to monitor patients. This is requested by the laboratory.
- A monoclonal band (IgG>15g/L, IgA>10g/L and IgM>10g/L) is considered consistent with a possible diagnosis of multiple myeloma.
- A monoclonal band (IgG<15g/L, IgA<10g/L and IgM<10g/L) is considered consistant with a possible diagnosis of MGUS.
Please Note:
- All new patients with an IgG of <5g/L have immunofixation routinely performed. This is requested by the laboratory.
- Occasionally there may be a result of 'Minor Abnoramlity' reported. These samples can be repeated after a year to confirm results.
- It is recommended that an early morning urine sample be sent for analysis on all new Multiple Myeloma patients.
- Although electrophoresis can be performed on other sample types, it is recommended that a serum sample be used. This is because other sample types can cause a fibrinogen band which will delay results.
- All samples for electrophoreis also have IgG, IgA and IgM levels measured.
- Please note that the stated turnaround time is for 'Normal' results. If a sample requires further investigations (immunofixation) the turnaround time will increase.
- Where External Institiutions cannot guarantee immediate delivery, samples must be centrifuged, separated and stored at 4oC. Samples can then be transported, as soon as possible, to St. James's Hospital for processing.
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Related links |
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Reference range |
No Abnormal Bands - Normal pattern
Monoclonal Band - Monoclonal band detected
Minor Abnormality - Repeat after 1 year
For Immunofixation - Immunofixation performed on patients with IgG<5g/L |
Last updated |
Tue, 09 Jun 2020 15:43:38 IST |