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HelpTest ID SPEP Electrophoresis, Protein, Serum
Ordering Guidance
Protein electrophoresis alone is not considered an adequate screen for monoclonal gammopathies. When screening a patient or establishing a first-time diagnosis for a monoclonal gammopathy, consider ordering DMOGA / Monoclonal Gammopathy, Diagnostic, Serum instead, which includes free light chain analysis and isotyping by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).
If free light chain testing has already been performed locally, PEISO / Protein Electrophoresis and Isotype, Serum may be ordered instead of DMOGA / Monoclonal Gammopathy, Diagnostic, Serum for a first-time diagnosis.
For monitoring patients with a diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy, order TMOGA / Monoclonal Gammopathy, Monitoring, Serum.
Necessary Information
Indicate if multiple myeloma is suspected.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: Fasting (12 hour) preferred but not required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial.
Useful For
Screening patients with suspected monoclonal gammopathies
Diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathies, when used in conjunction with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and free light chain analysis
Special Instructions
Method Name
TPE: Colorimetric, Biuret
SPE: Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
Reporting Name
Electrophoresis, Protein, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days | |
| Ambient | 7 days |
Reference Values
≥1 year: 6.3-7.9 g/dL
Reference values have not been established for patients that are younger than 12 months of age.
PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS
Albumin: 3.4-4.7 g/dL
Alpha-1-globulin: 0.1-0.3 g/dL
Alpha-2-globulin: 0.6-1.0 g/dL
Beta-globulin: 0.7-1.2 g/dL
Gamma-globulin: 0.6-1.6 g/dL
An interpretive comment is provided with the report.
Reference values have not been established for patients that are younger than 16 years of age.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
2 to 5 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SPEP | Electrophoresis, Protein, S | 24351-9 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| TPE | Total Protein | 2885-2 |
| 602837 | Albumin | 2862-1 |
| 602838 | Alpha-1 Globulin | 2865-4 |
| 602839 | Alpha-2 Globulin | 2868-8 |
| 602840 | Beta-Globulin | 2871-2 |
| 602841 | Gamma-Globulin | 2874-6 |
| 602842 | A/G Ratio | 44429-9 |
| 602843 | M spike | 51435-6 |
| 602844 | M spike | 35559-4 |
| 602836 | Impression | 49296-7 |
CPT Code Information
84155
84165
0077U (if appropriate)
86334 (if appropriate)
Profile Information
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPE | Total Protein | Yes, (Order TP) | Yes |
| SPE | Protein Electrophoresis | No | Yes |
Reflex Tests
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| IFXED | Immunofixation Delta and Epsilon, S | Yes | No |
Testing Algorithm
This test includes total protein and serum protein electrophoresis.
If a discrete electrophoresis band is identified, the laboratory will evaluate the serum protein electrophoresis and, if necessary, perform M-protein isotype at an additional charge.
If a light chain is identified without a corresponding heavy chain during initial testing, immunofixation with IgD and IgE antisera will be performed at an additional charge.
The following algorithms are available: