Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) Test
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About Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPE)
Serum Protein electrophoresis(SPE) ``is a technique by which the protein in the fluid part of the blood, called serum, are separated by applying electricity. Separating these proteins, helps analyse these proteins better and based on the levels of these proteins, different diseases can be diagnosed. Doctors prescribe this test, usually when they suspect a type of cancer called multiple myeloma where a particular type of white blood cell turns malignant and divides more than usual, releasing a protein (paraprotein) that can be detected by SPE
What is the Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPE) Test Used For?
Our serum usually has two major classes of proteins called albumins and globulins. SPE can help detect the ratio of these proteins. Based on the proportion of these proteins, albumins and globulins, doctors will prescribe other tests to confirm conditions such as
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Multiple Myeloma
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Inflammation- chronic or acute
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Inflammation- chronic or acute
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Liver Diseases like cirrhosis, hepatitis
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Anemia
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Malnutrition
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Autoimmune Disorders like rheumatoid arthritis
Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma
Though SPE can help diagnose many conditions, doctors usually prescribe this test when they see symptoms that may indicate that you may have a particular form of cancer called multiple myeloma. Some of the symptoms of multiple myeloma are
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Weakness or Fatigue
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Bone pain
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Weight loss
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Constipation
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Frequent urination
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Infections
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Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the blood)
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Fractures
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Thirst
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Back pain
Preparation for Test
Before the test, please inform your healthcare provider or doctor of all the medications and treatments that you are currently on. The doctors may also advise you to fast for a certain time period before the test or temporarily stop medications that may interfere with the test. Other than this, there are no special preparations that are required for this test
Interpretation of Test Results
In an adult, the normal level of total protein in the serum is 6.4-8.3 grams per decilitre (g/dL) or 64-83 grams per litre (g/L). Proteins found in the serum can be of majorly two classes, albumins and globulins. The normal levels of albumin in the serum is 3.5-5 g/dL and globulins are 2.3-3.4 g/dL. Globulins have subtypes which are alpha-1, alpha-2, beta, and gamma globulins and these proteins are usually present in lesser quantities than albumins in the serum.
Increase or decrease in each of these protein subtypes in comparison to the usually reported normal ranges can indicate different conditions in the body, like inflammation, malnutrition, liver diseases, nephrotic syndrome, thyroid problems, anemia, etc. These results are better interpreted by the consulting physician and further tests would be prescribed to confirm the results.
For example, a sharp increase in the levels of gamma globulins can imply the presence of a condition called monoclonal or polyclonal gammopathy. Though monoclonal or polyclonal gammopathy can hint at multiple myeloma, a type of cancer, it may not always be the case. Often times, other reasons like viral infections or non-cancerous gammopathies may cause this increase.
There might be cases where problems with performing the SPE test would return false results. Doctors would recommend extra tests in these cases too
FAQs on Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPE)
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm. The red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are removed from the blood sample. The fluid part of the sample, called serum is then used for the test
After the serum is collected from the blood sample, it is placed in a gel like medium and using special liquids which have salts to conduct electricity, electrical charge is applied. The proteins present in the serum, separates according to their electrical charge and weight. This gel like medium where the proteins are separated, is stained using dyes and seen under special light for further analysis.
The turnaround time for this test is usually 2-3 days however it would also depend on the diagnostic laboratory that has taken the sample for analysis.
One decilitre is equal to 100 millilitre or one tenth of a litre
Doctors may order tests such as urine protein electrophoresis, where urine samples might be taken to assess kidney function. They may also recommend serum or urine immunofixation, to better understand and quantify proteins known as immunoglobulins, commonly known as antibodies, produced by the white blood cells
Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) Test
