Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is a blood work used to analyse the protein levels in a blood sample. There are various reasons why a physician may suggest this test. Generally, SPEP is used to determine and evaluate a wide range of disease conditions that have abnormal protein levels. Electrophoresis is not typically used by itself to diagnose a disorder, but it’s used along with other tests to offer more reliable data to support proper diagnosis.
Understand Serum Protein Electrophoresis
Serum: The liquid part of the blood that looks to be a single element to the naked eye but contains several blood components. Both red and white blood cells and platelets are solids, when these are removed, a liquid is left behind, which is called serum.
Protein: Proteins are compounds made of small chemicals called amino acids, that have numerous vital functions in the system:
- Offer structure to the body
- Carry vital nutrients
- Support the body combat off disease
- They provide structure to the body
Well, too little or too much protein can result in several issues. The five types of proteins usually evaluated during a SPEP test are:
Albumin: It carries substances and holds a key role in tissue growth and repair.
Alpha-1-globulins: Alpha -1 antitrypsin is a chief alpha-1 globulin which is made by the lungs and liver and the levels rise with inflammatory diseases.
Alpha-2 globulins: These proteins have several important functions in the body, and it is involved in inflammation.
Beta globulins: These proteins carry substance, trigger immunity, and increase in number in conditions like high cholesterol, atherosclerosis and multiple myeloma.
Gamma globulins: These proteins boost the immune system and are increased in multiple myeloma, as well as certain autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Also Read: C Reactive Protein Test: Learn How It Detects Infections
Electrophoresis: It is a lab analysis used to separate different groups of proteins in the blood serum, which lets them to measured and evaluated separately. This blood work involves revealing the serum placed in a special gel type to an electric current, which results in proteins moving and grouping together. The protein makes separate bands on the gel, which are then analysed.
Purpose Of SPEP Test
The doctor may suggest SPEP if you are experiencing symptoms of a condition affecting the proteins in the blood. The symptoms include:
- Sudden weight loss
- Frequent fractures
- Bone pain
- Exhaustion
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Excessive thirst
- Back pain
- Some of the medical conditions that could be leading to these symptoms are:
- Cancer
- Thyroid issues
- Diabetes
- Anaemia
- Liver disorders
- Malnutrition
- Certain autoimmune diseases
- Multiple sclerosis
How To Prepare For The Test?
No special preparation is required for the test. You may be asked not to eat or drink for at least 8-10 hours before the test. The lab technician will use a needle to take a blood sample. Some people may experience mild pain when the needle is inserted, and some may have slight bruising at the site of pricking afterwards and this settles away soon.
Also Read: 24-Hour Urine Protein Test: What Is It, Purpose, Benefits And Results
What Does The Test Results Mean?
Normal Results
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
Alpha-2 globulin: 0.6 to 1.0 g/dL
Beta globulin: 0.7 to 1.2 g/dL
Gamma globulin: 0.7 to 1.6 g/dL
Normal value ranges may differ slightly among different labs. As some laboratories may use different measurements or test different samples. Discuss with your healthcare provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
Abnormal Results Mean
Reduced total protein may indicate:
- Abnormal loss of protein from the GI tract or inability of the digestive system to assimilate proteins
- Malnutrition
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Cirrhosis or poor liver function
Reasons for Increased alpha-1 globulin proteins:
- Acute inflammatory disease
- Cancer
- Chronic inflammatory disease
Reasons for decreased alpha-1 globulin proteins:
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Reasons for increased alpha-2 globulin proteins:
- Acute or chronic inflammation
Reasons for decreased alpha-2 globulin proteins may indicate:
- Breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis)
Reasons for increased beta globulin proteins:
- A condition in which the body has problems breaking down fats
- Estrogen therapy
Reasons for decreased beta globulin proteins may indicate:
- Abnormally low level of LDL cholesterol
- Malnutrition
Reasons for increased gamma globulin proteins:
- Blood cancers
- Chronic inflammatory disease
- Acute infection
- Chronic liver disease
The physician will evaluate the results to make a correct diagnosis or decide on the treatment plan. And may also order further tests. The test may also be repeated again in the future, which helps the healthcare provider to know how treatment and medicines are working.
