ELECTROPHORESIS, PROTEIN SERUM

Message

Note: Cannot use Plasma.

Test Code

SPEN3

CPT Codes
84165; 84155

Includes

This test includes Total Protein; Albumin, E1; Alpha 1; Alpha 2; Total Beta; Total Gamma; Alb/Glob Ratio; M-spike (if present) and also includes Pathologist Interpretation.

Preferred Specimen

1 Gold tube (gel separator)

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Instructions

Centrifuge for complete separation of serum and red cells. Refrigerate until tested.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

2-8°C up to 10 days (samples are stored separately in Gen Lab)

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

The following conditions will result in a rejected sample:

Hemolyzed samples
Aliquotted samples

Methodology
Electrophoresis

Setup Schedule

M, T, W, Th, F

Report Available

Report available within 24 hours of receipt at the performing laboratory, M-Th. Samples collected on Friday will be reported on Monday.

Reference Range

Fractions Reference Range
Albumin	3.1 - 5.0 g/dL
Alpha 1	0.2 - 0.5 g/dL
Alpha 2	0.5 - 1.1 g/dL
Beta	0.6 - 1.1 g/dL
Gamma	0.7 - 1.7 g/dL

NOTE: If an M-spike is positively identified on an SPE, a quantitation will be performed automatically.

Clinical Significance

Identify and quantitate blood proteins. Used to evaluate inflammation, kidney function, and immune system function.

Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NCH4 (Chemistry, Sebia Electrophoresis)

Last Updated: November 13, 2023

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.