OVERVIEW
What is serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) lab test?
It is a test by which specific proteins present in blood serum (liquid part of blood) can be measured. Test helps separate proteins in blood based on their size & electrical charge. Having knowledge of which protein is present, absent, elevated, or decreased in blood can help in diagnosis & monitoring of various conditions/diseases. Mostly this test is performed to find abnormal substances called M proteins which is sign of a cancer type called myeloma or multiple myeloma. However, it also tests other proteins & antibodies.
Why is SPEP lab test done?
The SPEP test is done because of following reasons:
- To find abnormal M proteins in blood which helps in diagnosing myeloma or multiple myeloma (white blood cell/plasma cell cancer)
- It tests for other proteins & antibodies as well
- In diagnosing other conditions affecting plasma cells like in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and primary amyloidosis.
- Also helps in diagnosis of thyroid problems, diabetes, liver disease, anemia (reduced hemoglobin in blood), some autoimmune disease, & poor nutrition/or inability in absorbing nutrients
- What is the purpose of serum protein electrophoresis test?
SPEP test measures specific proteins in blood & identifies some diseases.
- Why should protein electrophoresis be done?
It is done to identify/measure presence of abnormal proteins, absence of normal proteins, & to detect various protein electrophoresis patterns linked with certain conditions
- What is meant by total serum protein high?
A high total protein shows that there are signs of chronic infection or inflammation (like viral hepatitis or HIV/AIDS), or it can be an early sign of bone marrow disorder.
- What are high protein symptoms?
Symptoms like pain in bones, numbness or tingling in hands/feet/legs, loss of appetite, weight loss, & excessive thirst.
- What is the principle of protein electrophoresis?
The proteins are separated by electrophoresis through gel matrix. Smaller proteins are known to migrate faster because of less resistance from gel matrix. Also structure & charge of proteins influence its separation.
SPEP lab test can give healthcare professional a rough estimate of how much each protein fraction is present & whether abnormal proteins or protein patterns are present.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS:
Normal ranges of major proteins are:
- Albumin: 3.6 to 5.2 g/dL, / 36 to 52 g/L, / 60% to 75%
- Alpha-1: 1 to 0.4 g/dL, / 1 to 4 g/L, / 1.7% to 5%
- Alpha-2: 0.4 to 1 g/dL, / 4 to 10 g/L, / 6.7% to 12.5%
- Beta-(β): 5 to 1.2 g/dL, / 5 to 12 g/L, / 8.3% to 16.3%
- Gamma-(γ): 6 to 1.6 g/dL, / 6 to 16 g/L, / 10.7% to 20%
Conditions or diseases associated with decrease or increase of serum proteins include:
- Albumin: 1)DECREASE: Malnutrition and malabsorption, kidney disease, liver disease, inflammatory conditions 2)INCREASE: dehydration
- Alpha-1: 1)DECREASE: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, severe liver disease 2)INCREASE: inflammatory disease
- Alpha-2: 1)DECREASE: Malnutrition, severe liver disease, RBC destruction 2)INCREASE: Kidney disease, acute or chronic inflammatory disease
- Beta (1 & 2): 1)DECREASE: Malnutrition, autoimmune diseases 2)INCREASE: High blood cholesterol, iron deficiency anemia, some cases of multiple myeloma or monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS)
- Gamma: 1)DECREASE: Variety of genetic immune disorders, secondary immune deficiency 2)INCREASE: Chronic inflammatory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, cirrhosis, chronic liver disease, infections, & recent immunization
This test is simply used in diagnosis or monitoring of conditions which result in abnormal protein production or loss of protein. However, doctor suggests SPEP lab test if you experience following symptoms denoting towards conditions affecting proteins in blood serum:
- Bone pain or frequent fractures
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Excessive thirst
- Back pain