Electrophoresis, Serum Protein

Message

Performing Lab: Central Lab

Test Code

3355

Alias/See Also

Sunquest: ELP; Serum Protein Electrophoresis; SPEP

CPT Codes
84165; 84155

Includes

Total Protein, Albumin, Alpha 1, Alpha 2, Beta, Gamma fraction

Preferred Specimen

1.0 mL Serum Separator (gold-top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Instructions

Processing: Do not aliquot if at all possible

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Refrigerated: 7 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Plasma is not an acceptable sample type. Grossly hemolyzed samples.

Methodology
Capillary Electrophoresis

Setup Schedule

Monday - Friday

Report Available

Within 5 days

Reference Range

Total Protein: 6.4 - 8.3 g/dL
Albumin Fraction: 3.4 - 4.8 g/dL
Alpha 1 fraction: 0.2 - 0.5 g/dL
Alpha 2 fraction: 0.5 - 1.1 g/dL
Beta fraction: 0.6 - 1.1 g/dL
Gamma fraction: 0.7 - 1.6 g/dL
No Monoclonal Protein Present

Clinical Significance

Electrophoresis is used to identify the presence of abnormal proteins, to identify the absence of normal proteins, and to determine when different groups of proteins are increased or decreased. Urine protein electrophoresis may be ordered to help diagnose the cause and estimate the severity of protein excretion due to kidney damage or disease. This damage or disease may be due to diabetes, chronic inflammation, an autoimmune condition, or a malignancy. Electrophoresis is not usually necessary to assess the loss of small to moderate amounts of protein due to temporary conditions, such as a urinary tract infection or an acute inflammation.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.