What is the difference between SPEP and immunofixation?
Apr 03, 2022 · The serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) test measures specific proteins in the blood to help identify some diseases. Proteins are substances made up of smaller building blocks called amino acids. Proteins carry a positive or a negative electrical charge, and they move in fluid when placed in an electrical field. Your doctor may recommend SPEP if
How to interpret SPEP UPEP?
The SPEP blood test is one of the diagnostic tools that is used to help determine the cause behind the symptoms being experienced. Problems with the immune system may also be discovered through the results of this blood test. Although myeloma and multiple myeloma can be detected, so can problems with the kidneys or the liver.
What level of protein in urine is dangerous?
Dec 05, 2021 · A serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) test measures specific proteins in the blood to identify diseases in the body. A percentage of serum protein is given for each protein group in the test results.
What causes high serum protein levels?
Oct 21, 2021 · SPEP is one of the tests typically used to identify the presence of multiple myeloma. Aside from M-protein detection, serum protein electrophoresis is used to check for immunoglobulins or antibodies. Immunoglobulins are responsible for the body’s defense systems. Some different types of immunoglobulins include immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G …
What diseases does Spep test for?
Your doctor may recommend SPEP if you are experiencing symptoms of a condition affecting the proteins in your blood serum....Some of the conditions that could be causing these symptoms are:cancer.thyroid problems.diabetes.anemia.liver diseases.malnutrition.certain autoimmune diseases.multiple sclerosis.
What diseases does a serum protein electrophoresis test for?
Serum protein electrophoresis is used to identify patients with multiple myeloma and other serum protein disorders. Electrophoresis separates proteins based on their physical properties, and the subsets of these proteins are used in interpreting the results.Jan 1, 2005
What does a high SPEP mean?
Serum protein electrophoresis is generally considered in any patient with an elevated total protein, especially those with elevated globulin level relative to albumin, or any signs and symptoms suggestive of an underlying plasma cell disorder such as multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, or primary ...
Why would a doctor order a protein electrophoresis?
The protein electrophoresis test is often used to find abnormal substances called M proteins. The presence of M proteins can be a sign of a type of cancer called myeloma, or multiple myeloma.
What is the most definitive test to confirm a diagnosis of multiple myeloma?
Bone x-rays X-rays can detect bone destruction caused by the myeloma cells. Often doctors will do a series of x-rays that includes most of the bones. This is called a bone survey or skeletal survey.Feb 28, 2018
How is myeloma diagnosed?
Specialized tests, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can analyze myeloma cells to identify gene mutations. Imaging tests. Imaging tests may be recommended to detect bone problems associated with multiple myeloma. Tests may include an X-ray, MRI, CT or positron emission tomography (PET).Jun 16, 2021
How do you rule out multiple myeloma?
To diagnose or rule out multiple myeloma, your doctor may order blood tests to check for M proteins produced by plasma cells. This protein will be in your blood if you have the disease. Blood testing may also find beta-2 microglobulin, which is another abnormal protein.
What is usually the first symptom of multiple myeloma?
Signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma can vary and, early in the disease, there may be none. When signs and symptoms do occur, they can include: Bone pain, especially in your spine or chest. Nausea.Jun 16, 2021
How much does Spep test cost?
On MDsave, the cost of a Protein Electrophoresis ranges from $13 to $61. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can save when they buy their procedure upfront through MDsave.
Should I be worried about high protein in blood?
High blood protein is not a specific disease or condition in itself, but it might indicate you have a disease. High blood protein rarely causes signs or symptoms on its own. But sometimes it is uncovered while you're having blood tests done as part of an evaluation for some other problem or symptom.
Is myeloma curable?
Treatment for multiple myeloma can often help control symptoms and improve quality of life. But myeloma usually can't be cured, which means additional treatment is needed when the cancer comes back.
How long does it take to get SPEP results?
Results are usually ready in 2 to 3 days.
Why Is The SPEP Blood Test ordered?
The presence of a serious disease can sometimes have nonspecific symptoms that are difficult to track down. Someone who is suffering from an overdo...
Is There Any Fasting Or Lifestyle Changes Required?
This blood test can be taken the same day it is ordered. Certain individuals may be asked to change their medications or lifestyle habits so that t...
What Do The SPEP Test Results Mean?
The protein values that are discovered in the SPEP blood test can either have high or low results as an abnormal test. Each is an indication that t...
What Are The Options of An Abnormal SPEP Blood Test?
For most patients that have an abnormal SPEP blood test, simple lifestyle changes can cause the symptoms being experienced to withdrawal. Limited c...
What Is Spep Used To Diagnose?
The serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) and urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) are both tests that can be used to identify abnormal proteins, to determine whether normal proteins are present or not, and to determine whether different groups of proteins are present or not.
Why Do A Spep Test?
A variety of diseases and disorders with abnormal proteins or protein levels can be diagnosed and monitored using SPEP. A disease can only be diagnosed by electrophoresis alone. In addition to other laboratory tests, it is used to provide more information to aid in diagnosis.
Should I Be Worried About High Protein In Blood?
There is no specific disease or condition associated with high blood protein, but it may indicate that you have one. The presence of high blood protein is rare for its own symptoms or signs. In some cases, it is discovered during blood tests as part of an evaluation for another problem or symptom that requires further investigation.
What Is The Normal Range Of Protein Electrophoresis?
The following normal values are used: Total protein: 6. 4 to 8. In grams per deciliter (g/dL), or in liters (g/L), albumin: 3. 5 to 5. The maximum volume is 35 to 50 grams per day. The Alpha-1 globulin is 0.05%. 1 to 0. The amount of liquid per unit of volume is between 3 and 3 g/dL.
What Diseases Does Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test For?
Multiple myeloma and other serum protein disorders can be identified using serum protein electrophoresis. By separating proteins by electrophoresis, we can determine their physical properties, and we can interpret these results by grouping them according to their specific properties.
What Can Electrophoresis Diagnose?
A hemoglobin electrophoresis measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood and identifies abnormal amounts. In addition to anemia, sickle cell disease, and other hemoglobin disorders, it is also commonly used to diagnose them.
Does Spep Test For Multiple Myeloma?
The SPEP and UPEP measures the output of myeloma cells, not the number of myeloma cells. The cells of people with myeloma do not reproduce at the same rate or secrete the same amount of protein. In the gamma region of the graph, Immunoglobulin A-type (IgA) myeloma monoclonal protein does not separate from the other proteins.
How SPEP Works
SPEP is one of the tests typically used to identify the presence of multiple myeloma. Aside from M-protein detection, serum protein electrophoresis is used to check for immunoglobulins or antibodies. Immunoglobulins are responsible for the body’s defense systems.
When SPEP Is Used
SPEP is generally indicated if you have signs and symptoms that suggest the presence of conditions related to unusual protein levels in your body. Some of these signs and symptoms include the following:
How SPEP Is Conducted
Preparing for SPEP involves largely the same process as going in for other blood tests and laboratory testing. You may need to temporarily stop taking some medications, depending on your doctor’s advice. You won’t typically have to do anything further prior to your appointment.
What SPEP Can Tell Doctors
It is important to remember that the results of SPEP are not definitive on their own. Your doctors will take a number of different factors into account alongside your results when providing you with a diagnosis.
How SPEP Results Are Used
The immunofixation results themselves cannot specifically indicate the underlying problem. Depending on the type of protein that you have in your blood at unusual levels, your oncology team may recommend another series of laboratory tests to rule out other conditions.
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What is a SPEP test?
Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is a widely available and inexpensive laboratory test that examines specific serum proteins based on their physical properties. Albumin and five major globulin fractions are identified. In clinical practice, SPEP is indicated when multiple myeloma, macroglobulinemia, amyloidosis, or other protein disorders is suspected. SPEP does not help in establishing a diagnosis of SLE but may be useful in screening for monoclonal protein or hypogammaglobulinemia, which may occasionally be seen in this disease. An early study of SPEP in SLE showed low albumin in 47% and increased γ-globulin in 58% of patients. The α2-globulin fraction that includes ceruloplasmin, α-macroglobulin, and haptoglobin was increased in 33%. The beta fraction that includes transferrin, C3, and β-lipoprotein was increased in 11% of patients.104 Tables 46.9 and 46.10 list selected α- and β-globulins and their associations with SLE.105,106
What is SPEP in electrophoresis?
Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is an inexpensive, easy-to-perform screening procedure for initial identification of monoclonal bands. Monoclonal bands are usually seen in the gamma zone, but may be seen in proximity to the beta band or rarely in the alpha-2 region. Blood can be collected in a tube with a clot activator, and after separation from blood components, serum is then placed on special paper treated with agarose gel followed by exposure to an electric current in the presence of a buffer solution (electrophoretic cell). Various serum proteins are then separated based on charge. After a predetermined time of exposure to an electric field, the special paper is removed, dried, placed on a fixative to prevent further diffusion of specimen components, and then stained to visualize various protein bands. Coomassie brilliant blue is a common staining agent to visualize bands in serum protein electrophoresis. Then, using a densitometer, each fraction is quantitated. The serum protein components are separated into five major fractions:
What is the purpose of serum protein electrophoresis?
Serum protein electrophoresis is most commonly ordered to investigate sera for the presence of monoclonal and/or polyclonal immunoglobulins.8 Hypogammaglobulinemia may be detected as well, but SPEP is not particularly sensitive and is not the preferred method unless other methods are not readily available.
When is serum protein electrophoresis ordered?
Serum protein electrophoresis is most commonly ordered when multiple myeloma is suspected and observation of a monoclonal band (paraprotein) indicates that monoclonal gammopathy may be present in the patient. From: Hematology and Coagulation, 2015. Download as PDF.
Does SPEP help with SLE?
SPEP does not help in establishing a diagnosis of SLE but may be useful in screening for monoclonal protein or hypogammaglobulinemia, which may occasionally be seen in this disease. An early study of SPEP in SLE showed low albumin in 47% and increased γ-globulin in 58% of patients.
Why do doctors order SPEP?
SPEP is used to help diagnose and monitor a variety of different diseases or disorders that have abnormal proteins or protein levels. Electrophoresis is not usually used by itself to diagnose a disease. Instead, it’s used along with other laboratory tests to provide more information ...
What are the proteins in SPEP?
Too much or too little protein can cause problems. The five groups of proteins usually considered during an SPEP test are: 1 Albumin: This protein transports substances and plays a role in tissue growth and repair. 2 Alpha-1 globulins: The major alpha-1 globulin is called alpha-1-antitrypsin, which is produced by the lungs and liver and increases with inflammatory diseases. 3 Alpha-2 globulins: This class of protein has many functions in the body and is involved in inflammation. 4 Beta globulins: These proteins move substances, support immunity, and increase in number in multiple myeloma and conditions like high cholesterol and atherosclerosis. 5 Gamma globulins: These support the immune system and are increased in multiple myeloma, as well as some autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
What are the symptoms of SPEP?
These symptoms could include the following: unexplained weight loss. bone pain or frequent fractures. fatigue. weakness. nausea. constipation. excessive thirst.
Why do doctors use the results of a blood test?
A doctor may use the results to make a diagnosis or decide on a course of treatment. Your doctor may also order more tests. The test may also be performed again in the future. This can help the doctor decide how well therapies and medicines are working. Last medically reviewed on October 20, 2016.
Can you take a blood sample for protein electrophoresis?
The serum protein electrophoresis test. No preparation is needed for the test. When you arrive, a healthcare professional will simply use a needle to take a blood sample. Some people experience mild pain when the needle is inserted. There may be some slight bruising afterward.
What is the purpose of protein test?
The total protein test is a common test that is conducted for measuring the total amount of proteins in the blood. The serum protein electrophoresis test (SPEP) is another test wherein the serum proteins are divided into protein groups, on the basis of their shape, size, and electrical charge. The amino acids from which proteins are made carry ...
How is a blood test conducted?
How is the Test Conducted. First of all, the blood sample is collected in a serum separator tube. Serum is then placed on a specific electrophoresis support medium. Thereafter, it is exposed to an electric current. As a result, the proteins get separated into different groups. The blood serum might be placed in a gel or in a liquid in ...
Who was the scientist who studied the separation of serum proteins?
Arne Tiselius, a Swedish biochemist, was awarded the 1948 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research in the field of electrophoretic analysis. It was Tiselius who studied the separation of serum proteins on the basis of their migration in an electric field.
What is serum protein?
Serum proteins, which are also referred to as plasma proteins, are the proteins that are present in the blood plasma. Blood plasma, which accounts for more than 50% of the total volume of the blood in the body, is a pale watery fluid in which the blood cells are suspended. While more than 90% of the plasma is made up of water, ...
