Immunofixation Electrophoresis, Quantitative Test
Immunofixation Electrophoresis, Quantitative Test
Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) is a series of laboratory tests that separate and measure proteins in blood or urine samples to help diagnose or monitor conditions like multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer) or other monoclonal gammopathies.
The test uses an electric current to separate proteins in the sample on a gel, a process known as electrophoresis. Specific antibodies (antisera) are then applied to the gel, which forms complexes with retained proteins, known as the immunofixation step. These complexes are then stained to reveal different proteins as bands or peaks, allowing for the identification of specific proteins present in the sample.
Immunofixation measures explicitly the levels of beta-2 microglobulin, immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE), albumin (A), globulins (alpha, beta, and gamma), plus the A/G ratio, free kappa (κ) and lambda (λ) light chains, plus the κ:λ ratio, and an abnormal protein called monoclonal proteins (M-protein).
What is Immunofixation Electrophoresis(IFE) Quantitative Used For?
Your doctor might order an IFE test
To diagnose and monitor lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia or multiple myeloma
To determine the underlying causes of excess proteins in urine or in cerebrospinal fluid in individuals having symptoms of multiple myeloma or brain inflammation/ infection
To identify amyloidosis, collagen disorders and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
To monitor the response to treatment and the progression of the disease over time
To monitor disease recurrence in treated patients
To determine severity of the disease
Symptoms of Multiple myeloma and related monoclonal gammopathies
Symptoms may include
Bone pain and fracture
Frequent bruising and bleeding
Purple spots on the skin
Feeling very tired
Tingling or numbness in legs and feet
Anemia
Kidney problems
Frequent headaches
Recurrent infection
Nausea and vomiting
Which Tests are Included in an Immunofixation Electrophoresis(IFE) Quantitiative?
Subtests included in an Immunofixation Electrophoresis (IFE) Quantitative are as follows:
· Beta-2 Microglobulin, Serum: This test measures the amount of a tumor marker called beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) in body fluids to provide information about the severity of blood and bone marrow cancers and whether or not the treatment is working in diagnosed cases.
· Immunoglobulin IgM, IgA, and IgG Test: This blood test measures the amount of three main types of immunoglobulin (Ig) antibodies (IgM, IgG, and IgA) to help diagnose different health conditions that may affect the immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis, blood and bone marrow cancers, genetic diseases, and infections.
· Kappa/Lambda Ratio: This test determines and compares the proportion of free light chains, namely Kappa and Lambda, in body fluids (blood and urine) to help diagnose and monitor certain conditions, such as multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders. It also helps evaluate the treatment response.
· Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPE): In this test, the protein fraction of the blood is split into its component albumin and globulin to obtain information regarding the underlying nature of hyperglobulinemia or neoplastic disorders, such as multiple myeloma, B cell lymphoma, or B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Different parameters tested in Serum Protein Electrophoresis include:
· Albumin/Globulin ratio
· Albumin
· Alpha-1 globulins
· Alpha-2 globulins
· Beta-1 globulins
· Beta-2 globulins
· Gamma-Globulins
· M-protein band
· Total protein
Preparation for Test
If your doctor advises serum immunofixation electrophoresis, you may need to fast for 8–12 hours before collecting the blood sample. A urine sample may be taken when the blood test yields abnormal results.
Don't forget to tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you take, as they can affect the test findings.
Interpretation of Test Results
Positive results
This report identifies unusual protein patterns in the submitted sample, which may indicate underlying health issues such as autoimmune disorders, neurological disorders, renal or liver disease, and cancer. Additional tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
Negative result
This report indicates that no abnormal proteins are present and that the levels of each protein are not higher than those of the others in the sample. However, this does not always rule out the suspected illness or disease.
FAQs
When should the Immunofixation electrophoresis quantitative test be done?
Immunofixation is indicated when there is a strong clinical suspicion of disorders involving abnormal protein production, such as multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, and other related disorders. This test may also be used to identify immunoglobulins and the corresponding light chains when a protein electrophoresis assay detects monoclonal protein.
How often should I take this test?
This depends on your unique situation and your doctor's recommendation. Furthermore, if you are receiving therapy for plasma cell disorders such as multiple myeloma, this test may be repeated at regular intervals to determine the prognosis of the disorder and to know whether or not the treatment is working for you.
What should I expect during the quantitative immunofixation electrophoresis test?
You will be asked to submit a blood or urine sample for this test. The technician will select a vein in your arm to draw a blood sample, while a sterile container will be provided for proper urine collection. Collected samples are then sent to the laboratory for further analysis.
Does this test pose any risk?
No, the immunofixation electrophoresis quantitative test pose no risk. However, you may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle is inserted to draw blood, although most symptoms subside shortly after the needle is removed.
What might affect my test results?
Medications can affect the results of immunofixation tests. That's why it's vital that your doctor knows about all the medications, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements you are taking.
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