Electrophoresis, 24 Hour Urine Protein

Message

Performing Lab: Central Lab

Test Code

3632

Alias/See Also

Sunquest: UELP

CPT Codes
84166; 84156

Preferred Specimen

20.0 mL of 24-hour urine collection

Minimum Volume

10.0 mL of 24-hour urine collection

Instructions

Processing: Do not add preservatives to the specimen

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Refrigerated: 7 days

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

Inadequate sample volume
Preservative present in sample

Methodology
Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

Setup Schedule

Tuesday and Thursday

Report Available

Within 5 days

Reference Range

No monoclonal protein present.
No expected values are defined for the urine protein fractions

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.