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Electrophoresis, Serum Protein Cascade
MessagePerforming Lab: Central Lab
Test Code
3634
Alias/See Also
Sunquest: CSPE; Serum Protein Electrophoresis Cascade, SPEP with reflex, ELP
CPT Codes
84165, 84155
Includes
If the presence of a monoclonal protein is suspected, or a newly discovered monoclonal protein is identified, tests for serum immunofixation (IFEC) and quantitative Immunoglobulins (IMMU) will automatically be ordered and performed at an additional charge.
Preferred Specimen
0.2 mL Serum Separator (gold-top) tube
Minimum Volume
0.1 mL Serum Separator (gold-top) tube
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
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 in serum. It is frequently ordered to detect and identify monoclonal proteins – an excessive production of one specific immunoglobulin. Protein and Immunofixation electrophoresis are ordered to help detect, diagnose, and monitor the course and treatment of conditions associated with these abnormal proteins, including multiple myeloma and a few other related diseases.
