A serum protein electrophoresis test measures the levels of the different types of globulins and other proteins in your blood. Your provider may order this test to diagnose disorders related to your immune system, including Allergies. Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
The serum globulin electrophoresis test measures the levels of proteins called globulins in the fluid part of a blood sample. This fluid is called serum.
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed.
In the lab, the technician places the blood sample on special paper and applies an electric current. The proteins move on the paper and form bands that show the amount of each protein.
How to Prepare for the Test
You may be asked not to eat or drink (fast) for 4 hours before this test.
Certain medicines may affect the results of this test. Your health care provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines. Do not stop any medicine before talking to your provider.
Medicines that can affect the test results include:
- Chlorpromazine
- Corticosteroids
- Phenacemide
- Salicylates
- Some kinds of antibiotics
- Tolbutamide
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
This test is done to look at globulin proteins in the blood. Identifying the types of globulins can help diagnose certain medical problems.
Globulins are roughly divided into 3 groups: alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Gamma globulins include various types of antibodies such as immunoglobulins (Ig) M, G, and A.
Certain diseases are associated with producing too many immunoglobulins. For example, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia is a cancer of certain white blood cells. It is linked with producing too many IgM antibodies.
Normal Results
Normal value ranges are:
- Serum globulin: 2.0 to 3.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or 20 to 35 grams per liter (g/L)
- IgM component: 75 to 300 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 750 to 3000 milligrams per liter (mg/L)
- IgG component: 650 to 1850 mg/dL or 6.5 to 18.50 g/L
- IgA component: 90 to 350 mg/dL or 900 to 3500 mg/L
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Increased gamma globulin proteins may indicate:
- Acute infection
- Bone marrow cancer called multiple myeloma
- Chronic inflammatory disease (for example, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus )
- Overactive immune system ( hyperimmunization )
- Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
Risks
There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from 1 person to another, and from 1 side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood buildup under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
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