Protein electrophoresis - serum

A blood sample is needed. In the lab, the technician places the blood sample on special paper and applies an electric current. The proteins move on the paper and form bands that show the amount of each protein.

You may be asked to not eat or drink for 12 hours before this test. Certain medicines may affect the results of this test. Your health care provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines. Do not stop any medicine before talking to your provider.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.

Proteins are made from amino acids and are important parts of all cells and tissues. There are many different kinds of proteins in the body, and they have many different functions. Examples of proteins include enzymes, certain hormones, hemoglobin , low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or bad cholesterol), and others. Serum…

Normal value ranges are: Total protein: 6.4 to 8.3 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or 64 to 83 grams per liter (g/L) Albumin: 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL or 35 to 50 g/L Alpha-1 globulin: 0.1 to 0.3 g/dL or 1 to 3 g/L Alpha-2 globulin: 0.6 to 1.0 g/dL or 6 to 10 g/L Beta globulin: 0.7 to 1.2 g/dL or 7 to 12 g/L Gamma globulin: 0.7 to…

Decreased total protein may be due to: Abnormal loss of protein from the digestive tract or the inability of the digestive tract to absorb proteins ( protein-losing enteropathy ) Malnutrition Kidney disorder called nephrotic syndrome Scarring of the liver and poor liver function ( cirrhosis ) Increased alpha-1…

There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include: Excessive…

Lu SX, Rustad EH, Usmani SZ, Landgren CO. Multiple myeloma. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 91. Pincus MR, Bluth MH, Brandt-Rauf PW, Bowne WB, LaDoulis C. Oncoproteins and early tumor detection. In: McPherson…