Electrophoresis is a laboratory test in which electrically charged particles of blood migrate in an electric field. The speed of this migration depends on the ionic charge of the particles, the field strength, and the radius of the particles, among other factors. Different forms of electropheresis can be distinguished:
- Protein electrophoresis in blood serum (synonym: serum electrophoresis), urine or cerebrospinal fluid.
- Hemoglobin electrophoresis (synonym: Hb electrophoresis).
- Immunofixation electrophoresis
- Lipid electrophoresis
Immunoelectrophoresis combines protein electrophoresis with immunodiffusion to study plasma proteins. It is a qualitative method for the detection of monoclonal antibodies. It is possible to detect the following protein fractions:
- Albumin
- Alpha-1 lipoprotein
- Alpha-2 lipoprotein
- Alpha-1-glycoprotein
- Alpha-2 macroglobulin
- Beta-1 lipoprotein
- Beta-1 transferrin
- Beta-1 microglobulin
- Gamma globulin
Notice.
- A precise statement on the quantity of protein fractions can not be made.
- Only in the case of large fractions (albumin, gamma globulins, transferrin) can the absence of fractions be reliably detected.
- If there is a specific question about, for example, an increase in a specific fraction, quantification of plasma proteins is preferable.
The procedure
Material needed
- Blood serum
Preparation of the patient
- Not necessary
Disruptive factors
- Not known
Normal value – neonate
- Not specified
Indications
- Suspected plasmacytoma (multiple myeloma).
- More accurate diagnosis of dysproteinemia or hyperproteinemia – too high protein levels in the blood.
- More accurate diagnostics for elevated ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
Interpretation
Interpretation of increased values
- Hyperproteinemia – excessive protein levels in the blood.
- Plasmocytoma (multiple myeloma)
Interpretation of decreased values
- No data
