Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) Test For Protein-related Disorder

Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) is a blood test that separates the different proteins in your blood, allowing doctors to identify and quantify specific proteins like albumin, globulins, and paraproteins. It helps diagnose various medical conditions, including multiple myeloma and other protein-related disorders.

Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test

Here are the basic details of the Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test.

Also Known As	SPEP Test
Type	Blood test
Purpose	Analyze blood protein levels
Sample Type	Blood
Preparation	Typically none required
Fasting	Fasting not usually necessary
Gender	All
Age Group	All
Normal Value	6.4 to 8.3 g/dL
Reporting Time	Few days to week
Cost	500-800 INR*

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test Means

Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test Blood test separating different blood proteins.

Identifies proteins like albumin, globulins, and paraproteins.
Aids in diagnosing various medical conditions.
Valuable in cases of multiple myeloma.
No specific preparation or fasting required.
Assessing proteins to guide treatment decisions.

Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test Purpose

The purpose of the Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test is to:

Blood test separating different blood proteins.
Identifies proteins like albumin, globulins, and paraproteins.
Aids in diagnosing various medical conditions.
Valuable in cases of multiple myeloma.
No specific preparation or fasting required.
Assessing proteins to guide treatment decisions.

SPEP Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test Price, Normal Range, Result, Purpose, Procedure Meaning and Interpretation - Drlogy Test

Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test Preparation

Here is the basic preparation for the Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test.

Before Test

Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you're taking.
No fasting or specific dietary restrictions are usually required.

During Test

A blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm by a phlebotomist.
The blood sample is placed in a special tube and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

After Test

You can resume your normal activities immediately.
Monitor the puncture site for any signs of bleeding or infection.
Await test results, and follow up with your healthcare provider for interpretation and guidance if needed.

Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test Procedure

Here is the basic Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test Procedure.

Undress from the waist down for examination.
A healthcare provider will visually inspect your pubic area.
The provider will check for the presence of lice or their eggs.
If lice are found, your healthcare provider will recommend treatment options.
Follow the recommended treatment to eliminate the infestation.

Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test Result

Here is the basic meaning of Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test.

The test separates blood proteins and provides a profile.
Different protein bands on the electrophoresis graph represent specific proteins.
Abnormal patterns or the presence of unusual proteins may indicate various medical conditions.
Discuss your results with your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test Normal Range

Here is the normal range of the Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test.

Protein Component	Normal Range (g/dL)
Total Protein	6.4 to 8.3 g/dL
Albumin	3.5 to 5.0 g/dL
Alpha-1 Globulin	0.1 to 0.3 g/dL

Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test Interpretation

Here is the Interpretation of the Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test.

Protein Component	Potential Effects on Levels
Total Protein	Elevated or decreased levels can indicate various medical conditions, including dehydration, malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease, or multiple myeloma.
Albumin	High or low levels may suggest liver or kidney disease, malnutrition, inflammation, or certain chronic conditions.
Alpha-1 Globulin	Elevated levels may be associated with acute inflammation, tissue damage, or chronic liver disease. Low levels may be seen in some inherited disorders.

Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test High Levels

Here's a summary of potential causes for high levels in a Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test.

High Levels Potential Causes:

Potential Causes	Information
Dehydration	Reduced blood volume elevates protein concentration.
Infection	Inflammatory response increases specific protein levels.
Multiple Myeloma	Cancer affecting plasma cells elevates certain proteins.
Chronic Inflammation	Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis raise protein levels.
Liver Disease	Impaired liver function affects albumin and globulin levels.

Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test Low Levels

Here's a summary of potential causes for low levels in a Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test.

Potential Causes	Information
Malnutrition	Inadequate protein intake lowers albumin levels.
Kidney Disease	Impaired filtration reduces albumin and total protein.
Inflammatory Disorders	Chronic inflammation decreases albumin levels.
Genetic Disorders	Some inherited conditions may lead to low protein levels.
Pregnancy	Albumin levels may decrease during pregnancy due to dilution.

Specimen Requirements For Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test.

Specimen	Serum
Volume	2 ml
Container	Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube
Collection	Separate serum from cells within one hour of collection. Transfer to a plastic transport tube before shipping.
Storage	Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C.
Sample Stability	Temperature	Period
	Room temperature	3 days
	Refrigerated	14 days
	Frozen	14 days
	Freeze/thaw cycles	Stable x3
Causes for Rejection	Hemolysis; plasma instead of serum.

Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test is Safe?

Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test is Safe and common blood test.

Minor risks associated with blood draw (e.g., bruising, discomfort).
Benefits outweigh the minimal risks.

When Do You Get Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test Results?

You can expect Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test results within Few days to week.
The specific reporting time may vary based on the laboratory and healthcare provider.

Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test Limitation

Here is the basic limitation of Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test.

Limited to providing a general protein profile and not specific disease diagnoses.
Abnormal patterns may require further testing for a definitive diagnosis.
Some medical conditions may not cause noticeable protein abnormalities.
Interpretation of results may vary among healthcare providers.
False positives or negatives can occur in rare cases.

Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test Risk Factors

Here are some of the risk factors of the Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test.

Minimal risk associated with the blood draw procedure (e.g., pain, bruising).
Inaccurate results in cases of improper sample handling or transport.
Potential for misinterpretation of results by healthcare providers.
Limitations in detecting specific diseases may lead to incomplete diagnoses.
Rare instances of false positives or negatives.

Doctor Recommendations After Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test Result

Here are the Doctor's recommendations or consult a specialist after the Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test.

Test Results	Doctor to Consult	Reason to Visit
High	Hematologist	Investigate potential underlying conditions.
Normal	Primary Care Physician	Routine health assessment, no specific concern.
Low	Primary Care Physician	Further evaluation for potential issues.

Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test Price

Here are the estimated Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test Prices in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	500-800
New Delhi	600-800
Bangalore	500-800
Hyderabad	600-800
Kolkata	500-800
Pune	600-800
Lucknow	500-800
Noida	600-800
Surat	600-800
Gurugram	500-800
Patna	600-800
Chennai	500-800
Jaipur	600-800
Ahmedabad	500-800

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

Summary

Overall, Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test analyzes blood protein levels, assisting in diagnosing various medical conditions, guiding personalized treatment decisions. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

Reference

Serum Protein Electrophoresis - Wikipedia [1].
Understanding and interpreting serum protein electrophoresis - NIH [2].

5012 Likes

Feedback:

Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test FAQ

What is a Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) test?

The Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) test is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the protein composition in your blood. It separates the proteins in your serum, such as albumin and globulins, to detect abnormalities and diagnose various medical conditions. The test is essential in identifying diseases like multiple myeloma, autoimmune disorders, and liver or kidney diseases.

How is the SPEP test performed?

During an SPEP test, a small sample of your blood is drawn and then subjected to electrophoresis, a process where proteins are separated based on their electrical charge and size. The separated proteins form distinct bands on a gel, which are then analyzed to determine their relative proportions and identify any abnormalities.

Why is SPEP testing important?

SPEP testing is crucial for diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions. By analyzing the protein profile in your blood, healthcare providers can identify issues related to kidney or liver function, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of cancers, such as multiple myeloma. It helps guide treatment decisions and monitor disease progression.

How long does it take to get the SPEP test results?

The time it takes to receive SPEP test results can vary. In many cases, results are available within a few days. However, the exact turnaround time depends on the laboratory's workload and the complexity of the analysis. Your healthcare provider will typically inform you of the expected timeline for receiving your results.