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HelpTest ID REPU Electrophoresis, Protein, Random, Urine
Useful For
Identifying patients with a monoclonal M-spike
Profile Information
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| RPEU | Protein Electrophoresis, Random, U | No | Yes |
| PTCON | Protein, Total, Random, U | No | Yes |
Reflex Tests
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIFXU | Immunofixation, Random, U | No | No |
Testing Algorithm
If a discrete electrophoresis band is identified, the laboratory will evaluate the urine protein electrophoresis and, if necessary, perform immunofixation at an additional charge.
Method Name
PTCON: Dye Binding (Pyrogallol Red)
RPEU: Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
RIFXU: Immunofixation
Reporting Name
Electrophoresis, Protein, Random, USpecimen Type
UrineCollection Container/Tube: Clean, plastic urine collection container
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic, 5-mL tube (Supply T465) and plastic, 60-mL urine bottle
Specimen Volume: 50 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect a random urine specimen.
2. No preservative.
3. Divide specimen between submission containers.
4. Label specimens appropriately (60-mL urine bottle for protein electrophoresis and 5-mL tube for protein, total).
Additional Information:
1. Random urine, no volume is required.
2. If a serum specimen on the same patient will also be submitted, order PEL / Electrophoresis, Protein, Serum under a separate order number.
Specimen Minimum Volume
25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Urine | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
| Frozen | 5 days | |
| Ambient | 72 hours |
Clinical Information
Urine proteins can be grouped into 5 fractions by protein electrophoresis:
-Albumin
-Alpha-1
-Alpha-2
-Beta-globulin
-Gamma globulin
The urine total protein concentration, the electrophoretic pattern, and the presence of a monoclonal immunoglobulin light chain may be characteristic of monoclonal gammopathies such as multiple myeloma, primary systemic amyloidosis, and light-chain deposition disease.
Reference Values
ELECTROPHORESIS, PROTEIN
The following fractions, if present, will be reported as a percent of the total protein.
Albumin
Alpha-1-globulin
Alpha-2-globulin
Beta-globulin
Gamma-globulin
No reference values apply to random urines.
Cautions
Urine protein electrophoresis (PEL) alone is not considered adequate screening for monoclonal gammopathies. Patients suspected of having a monoclonal gammopathy may have a normal urine protein electrophoretic pattern, and these patients should have immunofixation electrophoresis (MPSU / Monoclonal Protein Study, 24 Hour, Urine) performed.
Random urine specimens may be sufficient for identifying monoclonal proteins, but 24 hour specimens should be used to quantitate and monitor urinary abnormalities.
Monoclonal gammopathies are rarely seen in patients <30 years of age.
Hemolysis may cause a discrete band on PEL, which will be negative on immunofixation.
Penicillin may split the albumin band.
Radiographic agents may produce an uninterpretable pattern.
Day(s) Performed
Total Protein: Monday through Sunday; Continuous
Protein Electrophoresis: Monday through Saturday; 12 p.m.
Report Available
2 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
84156-Protein, total
84166-Electrophoresis, protein
86335-Immunofixation (if appropriate)