Protein Electrophoresis
Label Mnemonic: | SPE |
Epic code: | LAB953 |
Downtime form: | Doctor/Provider Orders - Pathology Core and Specialty Care Nursery |
Chemistry
6240 RCP
356-3527
6240 RCP
356-3527
Specimen(s):
Serum
Collection Medium:
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Red top tube 5 mL (Clot Activator) |
Minimum:
2 mL whole blood or one microtube for pediatric patients
includes total protein.
Testing Schedule:
Daily - Monday-Friday
Turn Around
Time:
48 Hours
Reference Range:
Albumin 3.7 - 5.2 g/dl Alpha1 0.3 - 0.6 g/dl Alpha2 0.3 - 0.8 g/dl Beta 0.5 - 1.1 g/dl Gamma 0.6 - 1.5 g/dl
Comments:
Serum protein electrophoresis methodology switched from traditional gel
electrophoresis to capillary electrophoresis on September 24, 2012.
Capillary electrophoresis can resolve separate beta-1 and beta-2 fractions, although a reference range is only available for the total beta fraction.
Reference ranges changed on 10/17/2023. The reference intervals published by Katzmann et al. were verified as appropriate for the UIHC population.
Katzmann JA, et al. Prospective study of serum protein capillary zone electrophoresis and immunotyping of monoclonal proteins by immunosubtraction. Am J Clin Pathol. 1998 Oct;110(4):503-9. doi: 10.1093/ajcp/110.4.503. PMID: 9763037.
The table below shows the proteins that predominantly make up the fractions of electrophoresis:
Capillary electrophoresis can resolve separate beta-1 and beta-2 fractions, although a reference range is only available for the total beta fraction.
Reference ranges changed on 10/17/2023. The reference intervals published by Katzmann et al. were verified as appropriate for the UIHC population.
Katzmann JA, et al. Prospective study of serum protein capillary zone electrophoresis and immunotyping of monoclonal proteins by immunosubtraction. Am J Clin Pathol. 1998 Oct;110(4):503-9. doi: 10.1093/ajcp/110.4.503. PMID: 9763037.
The table below shows the proteins that predominantly make up the fractions of electrophoresis:
Fraction Protein Major or minor protein visible by electrophoresis Albumin Albumin Major Alpha-1 Alpha-1 antitrypsin Major Alpha-1 lipoprotein Minor Alpha-1 acid glycoprotein Minor Alpha-2 Alpha-2 macroglobulin Major Haptoglobin Major Ceruloplasmin Minor Fibronectin Minor Beta-1 Transferrin Major Beta-2 C3 Major C4 Minor Beta-lipoprotein Minor Beta-2 / Fibrinogen Major Beta-gamma IgA Major* IgM Major* Gamma Most immunoglobulins Major C-reactive protein Minor *IgA and IgM are normally not very visible in individuals without a plasma cell dyscrasia by electrophoresis, but are detectable when present as M-proteins. Polyclonal IgA can be seen in cirrhosis. Radiocontrast dyes used in imaging can produce small peaks by capillary electrophoresis. Iohexol and iopamidol show up in the alpha-2 region. It is recommended to delay electrophoresis, if possible, for several days after radiocontrast dye administration. Gelatin-based plasma substitutes can produce polyclonal-like increases in beta-gamma and gamma regions. Piperacillin-tazobactam can produce a small peak in the beta-1 region.
Methodology:
Capillary Electrophoresis