What is the normal range of protein electrophoresis?
Normal Results Normal value ranges are: Total protein: 6.4 to 8.3 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or 64 to 83 grams per liter (g/L) Albumin: 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL or 35 to 50 g/L. Alpha-1 globulin: 0.1 to 0.3 g/dL or 1 to 3 g/L.
What does a protein electrophoresis test show?
Protein electrophoresis is a test that measures specific proteins in the blood. The test separates proteins in the blood based on their electrical charge. The protein electrophoresis test is often used to find abnormal substances called M proteins.
How many bands are seen in serum protein electrophoresis?
The different fractions of the serum proteins separate usually into 5 bands, as – the albumin, α1, α2, β, and the γ globulin fractions. In the interpretation of SPEP, more attention is given to the gamma region, which is mainly composed of Immunoglobulin.
What protein is associated with multiple myeloma?
WHAT HAPPENS IN MULTIPLE MYELOMA? these malignant plasma cells, or myeloma cells, accumulate in the bone marrow. immunoglobulin, called the M- protein, or M- spike, or paraprotein or myeloma protein. It can be detected in the blood and/or the urine of most myeloma patients.
What does high protein electrophoresis mean?
Elevated total protein may indicate: inflammation or infections, such as viral hepatitis B or C, or HIV. bone marrow disorders, such as multiple myeloma or Waldenstrom’s disease.
How high is total protein in multiple myeloma?
Hematological profile of patients with multiple myeloma Table 3 shows the biochemical parameters of the patients, with total protein and albumin, mean levels 8.08 ± 2.3 and 3.4 ± 0.75, respectively. Hyperproteinemia (> 9 gm/dl) was seen in 30% and hypoproteinemia (< 6 gm/dl) in 10% cases.
What does M Spike mean in multiple myeloma?
A monoclonal spike (M spike or paraprotein) on serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is a frequent finding in the general population and typically is pathognomonic of an asymptomatic, premalignant condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).
When to use urine protein electrophoresis for multiple myeloma?
If multiple myeloma still is considered clinically in a patient who does not have an M-protein spike on serum protein electrophoresis, urine protein electrophoresis should be performed.
How does serum protein electrophoresis ( SPEP ) test for myeloma?
Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is a test that measures the amount of heavy chain monoclonal protein made by myeloma cells. Learn more at Types of Myeloma. SPEP separates all the proteins in the blood according to their electrical charge. Urine protein electrophoresis, or UPEP, does the same thing for proteins in the urine.
How are monoclonal protein levels measured in myeloma?
A pathologist measures the area under the spike, or curve, and subtracts the normal level of gamma globulins from the total. The result is your level of monoclonal protein (M-protein). SPEP and UPEP tell us how MUCH monoclonal protein there is, but not the type. Monoclonal protein is the output of myeloma cells in most people with myeloma.
Can a spike in serum protein electrophoresis be normal?
In some patients with a plasma cell dyscrasia, serum protein electrophoresis may be normal because the complete monoclonal immunoglobulin is absent or is present at a very low level. 7 In one series, 6 serum protein electrophoresis showed a spike or localized band in only 82 percent of patients with multiple myeloma.
