Protein Electrophoresis

What the laboratory says this test is for

Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) is an analytical technique that provides separation of serum protein into six fractions: Albumin, Alpha-1, Alpha-2, Beta-1, Beta-2, and Gamma. Interpretation of elevation, decreased, or visual change in different fractions can be used as a diagnostic aid for a variety of different disease states and protein abnormalities, including monoclonal gammopathies (MG).

What the laboratory says this test is for

International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) recommends multiple component testing as Standard of Care for identification of patient with Multiple Myeloma.

What the laboratory says this test is for

This test is used to analyze the protein content in urine. The proteins are separated into 5 major components: albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta, and gamma. Interpretation of elevations, decreases, or visual changes in different components and/or associated patterns can provide information on various disease states, including inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, different types of kidney injury, plasma cell disorders, and cancers [1,2].UPEP is used to evaluate an individual with symptoms associated with potential monoclonal gammopathy, or when an individual has abnormally high total protein, albumin, or immunoglobulin levels. This test can help with initial diagnosis, as well as monitoring disease progression and treatment effectiveness [1,2].Specifically, the use of 24-hour urine collection (vs random urine) is recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Panel as one of the tests for diagnosis for multiple myeloma and for monitoring response to treatment. The International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) recommends ordering this test every 3 to 6 months, or as needed, for example, to establish baseline or if disease worsens [1].The advantage of analyzing urine that has been collected over a 24-hour period is that it provides insight into compositional changes in urine throughout the day. This allows for a more accurate assessment of urine composition, based on averages, making the test more sensitive than a random UPEP test (test code 8525).NOTE: The results of this test should not be used in isolation; these results alone are not enough to make a diagnosis or for monitoring. UPEP results should be evaluated along with other laboratory, clinical, and imaging findings as appropriate. Additional testing, such as bone marrow studies, serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), and immunofixation (IFE), may be required for comprehensive evaluation [1,2].References1. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. Multiple myeloma. Version 2.2020; October 9, 2019. https://www.nccn.org2. Rajkumar SV, et al. Lancet Oncol. 2014;15:e538-e548.

What the laboratory says this test is for

To evaluate protein composition of cerebrospinal fluid and may be useful in neurological diseases or tumors in central nervous system. This assay is not recommended for the assessment of multiple sclerosis for which oligoclonal bands in CSF and serum should be ordered.

What the laboratory says this test is for

This test is used to analyze the protein content in urine. The proteins are separated into 5 major components: albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta, and gamma. Interpretation of elevations, decreases, or visual changes in different components and/or associated patterns can provide information on various disease states, including inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, different types of kidney injury, plasma cell disorders, and cancers [1,2].UPEP is used to evaluate an individual with symptoms associated with potential monoclonal gammopathy, or when an individual has abnormally high total protein, albumin, or immunoglobulin levels. This test can help with initial diagnosis, as well as monitoring disease progression and treatment effectiveness [1,2].Although a 24-hour UPEP (test code 750) is recommended for diagnosis and monitoring, sometimes a random UPEP (test code 8525) is ordered at the discretion of the clinician to help guide the diagnostic process in the right direction. One advantage of a UPEP is that no special handling is required, which may be an important factor depending on clinical conditions.NOTE: The results of this test should not be used in isolation; these results alone are not enough to make a diagnosis or for monitoring. UPEP results should be evaluated along with other laboratory, clinical, and imaging findings as appropriate. Additional testing, such as bone marrow studies, serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), and immunofixation (IFE), may be required for comprehensive evaluation [1,2].References1. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. Multiple myeloma. Version 2.2020; October 9, 2019. https://www.nccn.org2. Rajkumar SV, et al. Lancet Oncol. 2014;15:e538-e548.