The immunoelectrophoresis-serum test (IEP-serum) is a blood test used to measure the types of Ig present in your blood, especially IgM, IgG, and IgA. The IEP-serum test is also known by the following names: immunoglobulin electrophoresis-serum test.
Full Answer
What is immunoelectrophoresis in microbiology?
Immunoelectrophoresis is a powerful analytical technique with high resolving power as it combines separation of antigens by electrophoresis with immunodiffusion against an antiserum. The main advantage of immunoelectrophoresis is that a number of antigens can be identified in serum.
What is a rocket electrophoresis?
a method of distinguishing proteins and other materials on the basis of their electrophoretic mobility and antigenic specificities. rocket immunoelectrophoresis electrophoresis in which antigen migrates from a well through agar gel containing antiserum, forming cone-shaped (rocket) precipitin bands.
What is the IEP serum test?
Immunoelectrophoresis-Serum Test. The immunoelectrophoresis-serum test (IEP-serum) is a blood test used to measure the types of Ig present in your blood, especially IgM, IgG, and IgA. The IEP-serum test is also known by the following names:
What is an IEP-serum test?
A doctor or lab technician typically performs the IEP-serum test. You need to give a blood sample. The blood sample is commonly taken from the arm with a needle. Your blood is collected in a tube and sent to a lab for analysis.
What is serum immunoelectrophoresis?
Serum immunoelectrophoresis is a lab test that measures proteins called immunoglobulins in the blood. Immunoglobulins are proteins that function as antibodies, which fight infection. There are many types of immunoglobulins that fight different types of infections. Some immunoglobulins can be abnormal and may be due to cancer.
Can you have cancer with monoclonal immunoglobulins?
Some people have monoclonal immunoglobulins, but do not have cancer. This is called monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance, or MGUS.
Can immunoglobulins be measured in urine?
Immunoglobulins can also be measured in the urine.
How is immunoelectrophoresis done?
The process of Immunoelectrophoresis is begun by separating the antigen mixture into component parts through the process of electrophoresis and double immuno-diffusion. (1, 2, 3, and 4)
What are the advantages of immunoelectrophoresis?
One of the primary advantages of immunoelectrophoresis is its ability to identify a number of antigen in a serum. It is an analytical tool with high resolving capability as it can separate antigens by electrophoresis with immune-diffusion against an antiserum. (1, 6, and 7)
Why are antigens diffused in lateral motion?
They are diffused in a lateral motion for the diffusing antigens to meet allowing the formation of lattice and precipitation, which aids in identifying antigens’ nature. (3, 5, and 7) It was Grabar and Williams who first coined the term immunoelectrophoresis in 1953.
How long does it take for a gel to run in an electrophoresis chamber?
The gel is then placed in the electrophoresis chamber. The sample is placed on the side of cathode and run for a timeframe of 20 minutes in 100 volts. (2, 5, and 8)
When was immunoelectrophoresis first used?
Grabar and Williams first coined the term immunoelectrophoresis in 1953.
What is complex protein mixture analysis?
It is used complex protein mixture analysis, especially the ones containing various types of antigens. It is one of the traditional ways to analyze qualitatively M-proteins in both serum and urine. (1, 5, and 9) It is used in analyzing the number of proteins whether proteins are overproduced or absent at all.
Why is a gamma antibody useful?
It helps identify and approximate the quantity of some types of proteins present in the serum. It paves the way in identifying protein and immunology. It is helpful in people suspected with monoclonal and polyclonal gammopathies.
What is serum immunoelectrophoresis?
Share. Serum immunoelectrophoresis is a lab test that measures proteins called immunoglobulins in the blood. Immunoglobulins are proteins that function as antibodies, which fight infection. There are many types of immunoglobulins that fight different types of infections. Some immunoglobulins can be abnormal and may be due to cancer.
Can you have cancer with monoclonal immunoglobulins?
Some people have monoclonal immunoglobulins, but do not have cancer. This is called monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance, or MGUS.
What is urine immunoelectrophoresis?
Urine immunoelectrophoresis is a lab test that measures immunoglobulins in a urine sample. Immunoglobulins are proteins that function as antibodies, which fight infection. There are various types of these proteins that fight different types of infections. Some immunoglobulins can be abnormal and may be due to cancer.
What is the purpose of immunoglobulin test?
This test is used to measure the amounts of various immunoglobulins in urine. Most often, it is done after a large amount of protein is found in the urine.
Can you have cancer with monoclonal immunoglobulins?
Some people have monoclonal immunoglobulins, but do not have cancer. This is called monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance, or MGUS.
Can immunoglobulins be measured in blood?
Immunoglobulins can also be measured in the blood.
What is urine immunoelectrophoresis?
Urine immunoelectrophoresis is a lab test that measures immunoglobulins in a urine sample.
What is the purpose of immunoglobulin test?
This test is used to measure the amounts of various immunoglobulins in urine. Most often, it is done after a large amount of protein is found in the urine.
How do you know if a urine sample is a protein?
There, the laboratory specialist will place the urine sample on special paper and apply an electric current. The various proteins move and form visible bands, which reveal the general amounts of each protein.
Can you have cancer with monoclonal immunoglobulins?
Some people have monoclonal immunoglobulins, but do not have cancer. This is called monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance, or MGUS.
Can immunoglobulins be measured in blood?
Immunoglobulins can also be measured in the blood.
What is the advantage of immunoelectrophoresis?
The main advantage of immunoelectrophoresis is that a number of antigens can be identified in serum.
Why is immunoelectrophoresis limited?
The use of immunoelectrophoresis in food analysis is limited by the availability of specific antibodies.
How long does it take for an antibody to form in a trough?
Antiserum present in the trough moves toward the antigen components resulting in the formation of separate precipitin lines in 18-24 hrs, each indicating reaction between individual proteins with its antibody.
How long does electrophoresis take?
The gel is placed into the electrophoresis chamber with the samples on the cathodic side, and electrophoresis runs for 20 mins/ 100 volts.
When an electric current is applied to a slide layered with gel, the antigen mixture placed in wells is?
When an electric current is applied to a slide layered with gel, the antigen mixture placed in wells is separated into individual antigen components according to their charge and size. Following electrophoresis, the separated antigens are reacted with specific antisera placed in troughs parallel to the electrophoretic migration and diffusion is allowed to occur. Antiserum present in the trough moves toward the antigen components resulting in the formation of separate precipitin lines in 18-24 hrs, each indicating reaction between individual proteins with its antibody.
Which is slower, immunoelectrophoresis or immunofixation?
Immunoelectrophoresis is slower, less sensitive, and more difficult to interpret than Immunofixation electrophoresis.
Why is the antigen-antibody method useful?
This method is useful to monitor antigen and antigen-antibody purity and to identify a single antigen in a mixture of antigens.
What is immunoelectrophoresis performed to determine?
In these instances, immunoelectrophoresis may be performed to determine which immunoglobulin is elevated.
What is immunoelectrophoresis used for?
Immunoelectrophoresis aids in the diagnosis and evaluation of the therapeutic response in many disease states affecting the immune system. It is usually requested when a different type of electrophoresis, called a serum protein electrophoresis, has indicated a rise at the immunoglobulin level. Immunoelectrophoresis is also used frequently to diagnose multiple myeloma, a disease affecting the bone marrow.
What is rocket immunoelectrophoresis?
rocket immunoelectrophoresis electrophoresis in which antigen migrates from a well through agar gel containing antiserum, forming cone-shaped (rocket) precipitin bands.
What does it mean when IgM is elevated in a newborn?
Since IgM does not cross the placenta, an elevation of this immunoglobulin in the newborn indicates intrauterine infection such as rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV) or a sexually transmitted disease (STD). IgG is the most prevalent type of antibody, comprising approximately 75% of the serum immunoglobulins.
Why is immunoelectrophoresis not quantitative?
It should be noted that, because immunoelectrophoresis is not quantitative, it is being replaced by a procedure called immunofixation, which is more sensitive and easier to interpret.
What is the name of the test that determines the levels of three immunoglobulins?
Immunoelectrophoresis, also called gamma globulin electrophoresis, or immunoglobulin electrophoresis , is a method of determining the blood levels of three major immunoglobulins: immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin A (IgA).
What tests are used to determine if a patient has a relapse?
In addition, various serological tests such as ELISA, immunoelectrophoresis, indirect hemagglutination, and latex agglutination tests can be used to evaluate the diagnosis, followup, and posttreatment relapse of the disease [20].
What is serum immunoelectrophoresis?
Immunoelectrophoresis - blood. Serum immunoelectrophoresis is a lab test that measures proteins called immunoglobulins in the blood. Immunoglobulins are proteins that function as antibodies, which fight infection. There are many types of immunoglobulins that fight different types of infections. Some immunoglobulins can be abnormal ...
When to use antibodies test?
This test is most often used to check the levels of antibodies when certain cancers and other disorders are present or suspected.
Can you have cancer with monoclonal immunoglobulins?
Some people have monoclonal immunoglobulins, but do not have cancer. This is called monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance, or MGUS. 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.
Definition
Alternative Names
- IEP - serum; Immunoglobulin electrophoresis - blood; Gamma globulin electrophoresis; Serum immunoglobulin electrophoresis; Amyloidosis - electrophoresis serum; Multiple myeloma - serum electrophoresis; Waldenström - serum electrophoresis
How The Test Will Feel
- 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 slight bruising. This soon goes away.
Why The Test Is Performed
- This test is most often used to check the levels of antibodies when certain cancers and other disorders are present or suspected.
Normal Results
- A normal (negative) result means that the blood sample had normal types of immunoglobulins. The level of one immunoglobulin was not higher than any other.
What Abnormal Results Mean
- Abnormal results may be due to: 1. Multiple myeloma(a type of blood cancer) 2. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia or Waldenström macroglobulinemia(types of white blood cell cancers) 3. Amyloidosis(buildup of abnormal proteins in tissues and organs) 4. Lymphoma (cancer of the lymph tissue) 5. Kidney failure 6. Infection Some people have monoclonal immunoglobulins, but …
Risks
- 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: 1. Excessive bleeding 2. Fainting or feeling lightheaded 3. Multiple punctures t…
References
- Aoyagi K, Ashihara Y, Kasahara Y. Immunoassays and immunochemistry. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017:chap 44. Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Immunoelectrophoresis - serum and urine. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. St …
Definition
Alternative Names
- Immunoglobulin electrophoresis - urine; Gamma globulin electrophoresis - urine; Urine immunoglobulin electrophoresis; IEP - urine
How The Test Is Performed
- A clean-catch urine sampleis needed. The clean-catch method is used to prevent germs from the penis or vagina from getting into a urine sample. To collect your urine, the health care provider may give you a special clean-catch kit that contains a cleansing solution and sterile wipes. Follow instructions exactly. After you provide a urine sample, it is sent to the laboratory. There, the labo…
How to Prepare For The Test
- Your provider may ask you to collect the first morning urine, which is the most concentrated. If you are taking the collection from an infant, you may need extra collection bags.
Why The Test Is Performed
- This test is used to measure the amounts of various immunoglobulins in urine. Most often, it is done after a large amount of protein is found in the urine.
Normal Results
- Normally there is no protein, or only a small amount of protein in the urine. When there is protein in the urine, it normally consists of mainly albumin. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
- Immunoglobulin in the urine can result from: 1. An abnormal buildup of proteins in tissues and organs (amyloidosis) 2. Leukemia 3. Blood cancer called multiple myeloma 4. Kidney disorders such as IgA nephropathyor IgM nephropathy Some people have monoclonal immunoglobulins, but do not have cancer. This is called monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance, or MGUS.
References
- Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Protein electrophoresis – urine. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:920-923. McPherson RA. Specific proteins. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; …