What is SPEP panel with immunofixation?
A serum immunofixation test measures specific proteins in your blood. It helps to identify certain illnesses that are otherwise hard to detect, such as multiple myeloma, a blood cancer. The test is also known as IFE, immunofixation electrophoresis, or protein electrophoresis.
What is a immunofixation test for?
The immunofixation blood test is used to identify proteins called immunoglobulins in blood. Too much of the same immunoglobulin is usually due to different types of blood cancer. Immunoglobulins are antibodies that help your body fight infection.
Is serum protein electrophoresis the same as immunofixation?
What is an immunofixation (IFE) blood test? An immunofixation blood test, also known as protein electrophoresis, measures certain proteins in the blood. Proteins play many important roles, including providing energy for the body, rebuilding muscles, and supporting the immune system.
Is IFE same as SPEP?
In a similar vein to SPEP, Immunofixation Electrophoresis (IFE) is used to check the levels of certain proteins in blood. By using antibodies to “fix” certain proteins to an assay, IFE is able to create band patterns for certain protein groups that match the band patterns for specific diseases.
What is the most definitive test to confirm a diagnosis of multiple myeloma?
The complete blood count (CBC) is a test that measures the levels of red cells, white cells, and platelets in the blood. If there are too many myeloma cells in the bone marrow, some of these blood cell levels can be low. The most common finding is a low red blood cell count (anemia).
What does an abnormal immunofixation serum mean?
Positive results from the test indicate the presence of abnormal Ig. This may suggest the existence of an underlying health condition, such as: an immune system disorder. multiple myeloma. Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.
What does Spep blood test for?
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.
Can you have multiple myeloma with normal immunofixation?
The absence of monoclonal gammopathy on protein electrophoresis or normal immunofixation does not negate the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Therefore, all the sub types of multiple myeloma need to be comprehensively studied to aid in reaching an accurate diagnosis.
How accurate is immunofixation electrophoresis?
The detection rate of M protein by immunofixation electrophoresis detection was better (105 cases, 100%) than that of serum protein electrophoresis (101 cases, 96.19%, p<0.001).
What is abnormal SPEP?
What abnormal results for SPEP test may mean. The various proteins in the body perform different functions. This means that high or low levels of the five protein types examined during the test can point to different illnesses.
How do you read immunofixation results?
Immunofixation can either reveal a normal pattern or identify a monoclonal protein or a polyclonal immunoglobulin pattern. A normal result includes a darker immunoglobulin G (IgG) lane, a lighter immunoglobulin A (IgA), an absent immunoglobulin M (IgM), and a denser kappa compared to lambda lane, with ratio of 2:1.
What is abnormal Ife?
The IFE test is often used to diagnose multiple myeloma or Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, when symptoms of the disorders are present. Both conditions produce abnormal Ig. Clinical symptoms of multiple myeloma include: bone pain in the back or ribs. weakness and fatigue.
What is usually the first symptom of multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma causes many symptoms, but bone pain often is the first symptom people notice. Other symptoms include: Weakness in your arms and legs and/or a sensation of numbness in your arms and legs. Multiple myeloma can affect the bones in your spine, causing them to collapse and press on your spinal cord.
What does a normal immunofixation pattern mean?
Immunofixation can either reveal a normal pattern or identify a monoclonal protein or a polyclonal immunoglobulin pattern. A normal result includes a darker immunoglobulin G (IgG) lane, a lighter immunoglobulin A (IgA), an absent immunoglobulin M (IgM), and a denser kappa compared to lambda lane, with ratio of 2:1.
Is multiple 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 immunofixation results?
The Immunofixation (IFE) Serum Test detects and identifies monoclonal immunoglobulin gammopathies, which may indicate conditions such as multiple myeloma or Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. Preparation: Fasting for 10-12 hours required. Test Results: 2-3 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.