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Protein Electrophoresis, Serum

SPE, SPEP

Test Codes

Antrim #31270, EPIC: LAB5874, SOFT: SPE

Department

Special Chemistry

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One Gold-top SST tube. (Minimum Whole Blood: 2.0 mL)

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Serum aliquot tube, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum Serum: 0.5 mL)

Rejection Criteria

Plasma specimens.

Severely hemolyzed, lipemic or icteric specimens.  

In-Lab Processing

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then immediately centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to a plastic aliquot tube. Room temperature is acceptable for a maximum of 8 hours. (Minimum Serum: 0.5 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Centrifuged SST Tubes and Microtainers^®
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 8 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Red-top Tubes
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 2 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): Unacceptable
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Serum Specimens (Pour-Overs)
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 8 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 1 month

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Royal Oak Special Testing Laboratory

Performed

Monday – Friday.
Results available within 3 business days.

Reference Range

See the Chemistry Department’s reference ranges for Total Protein.

Age	Albumin Range (g/dL)	Alpha-1 Globulins Range (g/dL)
0-6 Days	2.19-3.26	0.18-0.51
7 - 15 Days	3.41-4.80	0.18-0.51
16 Days - 12 Months	3.41-4.80	0.18-0.51
13 Months - 5 Years	3.41-4.80	0.18-0.68
6 - 16 Years	3.50-5.09	0.18-0.68
17 Years and older	3.42-4.86	0.22-0.41

Age	Alpha-2 Globulins Range (g/dL)	Beta Globulins Range (g/dL)	Gamma Globulins Range (g/dL)
0-6 Days	0.26-0.62	0.35-0.56	0.81-1.67
7 - 15 Days	0.26-0.62	0.35-0.56	0.81-1.67
16 Days - 12 Months	0.43-0.94	0.43-0.84	0.58-1.55
13 Months - 5 Years	0.43-1.25	0.43-1.03	0.58-2.03
6 - 16 Years	0.43-1.25	0.43-1.03	0.58-2.03
17 Years and older	0.55-1.09	0.53-1.01	0.60-1.45

Test Methodology

Capillary Protein Electrophoresis.

Interpretation

All protein electrophoresis results are reviewed and interpreted by a pathologist. Monoclonal bands are described and quantitated. Findings of polyclonal increases in gamma globulins, inflammatory or protein loss patterns are described if present.

Reflex Testing

SPE is performed on all patients.

If new abnormality is present, immunofixation and immunoglobulin quantitations are performed.

Clinical Utility

Serum protein electrophoresis is used as a screening test for a number of serum protein abnormalities. Immunofixation will be performed when indicated. Serum free light chains should also be ordered when investigating a monoclonal protein. When a monoclonal protein has been identified and it can be quantitated, it should be followed just by a serum protein electrophoresis; an immunofixation is not needed unless there is a change in pattern. 

A monoclonal protein may occur in a variety of conditions e.g. multiple myeloma, other lymphoproliferative disorders, amyloidosis, infections, autoimmune disease and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. The test may also be useful in the investigation of liver disease.

CPT Codes

84165 with reflex to 86334

Contacts

Last Updated

3/9/2023