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🧪 What is Protein Electrophoresis?

Protein Electrophoresis is a laboratory technique that separates serum or urine proteins based on their size and electrical charge. It is used to analyze the different protein fractions in the blood or urine, helping diagnose various diseases.

❓ Why is the Test Done?

To:

Detect and characterize abnormal proteins (monoclonal gammopathies) such as in multiple myeloma
Evaluate hypogammaglobulinemia or immunodeficiency
Identify polyclonal gammopathy due to inflammation or chronic infection
Diagnose amyloidosis, nephrotic syndrome, and other protein disorders
Investigate unexplained high or low total protein

🔬 How the Test Works

A sample of serum or urine is applied to a gel or cellulose acetate strip.
An electric current causes proteins to migrate at different rates.
Proteins separate into distinct bands representing fractions:
- Albumin
- Alpha-1 globulins
- Alpha-2 globulins
- Beta globulins
- Gamma globulins

📊 Normal Protein Fractions in Serum

Fraction	Percentage of Total Serum Protein
Albumin	55–65%
Alpha-1 globulin	2.5–5%
Alpha-2 globulin	6–10%
Beta globulin	8–14%
Gamma globulin	12–22%

📈 Interpretation of Patterns

Pattern	Possible Causes
Monoclonal spike (M spike)	Multiple myeloma, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, MGUS
Polyclonal gammopathy	Chronic inflammation, liver disease, autoimmune diseases
Decreased gamma globulins	Immunodeficiency, nephrotic syndrome
Hypoalbuminemia	Liver disease, nephrotic syndrome, malnutrition
Increased alpha-1/alpha-2	Acute inflammation, tissue injury

🧠 Associated Conditions

System/Organ	Conditions Diagnosed or Monitored
Hematologic	Multiple myeloma, lymphoma, MGUS
Immunologic	Immunodeficiency, autoimmune diseases
Hepatic	Chronic liver disease, cirrhosis
Renal	Nephrotic syndrome

🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests

Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) – to identify specific monoclonal proteins
Serum free light chains assay
Bone marrow biopsy – in suspected myeloma
Urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP)
Complete blood count (CBC)
Kidney and liver function tests

✅ Fasting Required?

Test	Fasting Required
Protein Electrophoresis	❌ No

📝 Summary Table

Parameter	Details
What	Separates serum/urine proteins into fractions
Why	Detect monoclonal proteins, immunodeficiency, inflammation
Normal Protein Fractions	Albumin, alpha, beta, gamma globulins
Abnormal Patterns	M spike (myeloma), polyclonal gammopathy, hypoalbuminemia
Associated Conditions	Multiple myeloma, liver disease, nephrotic syndrome
Follow-up Tests	Immunofixation, light chain assay, bone marrow biopsy
Fasting Required	❌ No

Protein Electrophoresis

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