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Protein Electrophoresis, Urine

UPEP, Urine Protein Electrophoresis, Bence-Jones Protein, Urine Light Chains, Monoclonal Gammopathy, Urine.

Test Codes

Random Urine: EPIC: LAB5875, SOFT: UPEUR, 24 Hour Urine: EPIC: LAB5876, SOFT: UPE24

Department

Special Chemistry

Instructions

Please refer to the Specimen Collection Manual for instructions on 24 Hour Urine Collection:

• Urine 24 Hour Collection - Inpatient
• Urine 24 Hour Collection - Outpatient
• Urine 24 Hour Collection - Outreach

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): 24 hour urine sample with no preservative.
Also acceptable: Random urine specimen in a screw-capped container (preferred) or other clean collection cup. (Minimum Urine: 20 mL)

• Keep 24 hour urine specimen iced or refrigerated during collection.
• Include start and end dates and times for the collection period on the specimen container.

Urine Preservative Options
No Preservative	6N Hydrochloric Acid	Boric Acid (10g)	Sodium Carbonate	50% Acetic Acid
REQUIRED	Unacceptable	Unacceptable	Unacceptable	Unacceptable

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain specimens refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Entire 24 hour urine collection, or random urine (min: 20 mL), refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Rejection Criteria

Urine specimens that are not refrigerated.

Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Measure total volume of 24 hour urine specimen. Record total volume and collection start and end dates and times in the LIS system. Aliquot a minimum of 20 mL from the well-mixed 24 hour urine collection or random urine.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Unacceptable
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
Urine Total Protein is performed in Royal Oak Automated Chemistry Laboratory.

Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
Results available in 3-5 business days.

Reference Range

By report.

Test Methodology

Protein Electrophoresis and Immunofixation.

Interpretation

Aids in the evaluation of kidney function and in the investigation of lymphoproliferative disorders such as multiple myeloma and amyloidosis. Results are reviewed by a pathologist and an interpretation of the type of proteinuria (glomerular, tubular, or mixed) is given. If a monoclonal protein is detected by protein electrophoresis, it will be identified and quantitated. If only a small amount of monoclonal protein is present, it may only be detected by immunofixation; in such a case, the monoclonal will still be identified, but it cannot be quantitated.

Clinical Utility

This assay is used for the assessment of proteinuria and the detection of monoclonal gammopathies.

CPT Codes

84166 with reflex to 86335.

Contacts

Last Updated

1/13/2023