Protein electrophoresis (paraprotein screen) (PEP, SPE, Paraprotein Screen, Myeloma Screen, Paraprotein Analysis)
| Category | Biochemistry >> Proteins |
|---|---|
| Test background |
Electrophoresis of serum proteins facilitates screening, diagnosis and monitoring of haematological malignancy. Serum protein electrophoresis may also have some value in monitoring of inflammatory responses, assessment of nutritional status and detection of specific protein abnormalities such as A1AT deficiency. |
| Clinical Indications |
Screening for haematological malignancy and monitoring of established plasma cell dyscrasia. Please see the guidance attached on this page. |
| Reference range | Qualitative and quantitative written reports. Please also see the guidance attached on this page. |
| Sample & container required | SST (gold top) or serum (red top) |
| Sample volume | 0.5 mL |
| Transport storage | Stable at 2-8°C for 72 hours. Please freeze pending dispatch for analysis. Sample can be sent by first class post. |
| Turnaround time | 2 weeks (please allow up to 3 weeks if further analysis is required e.g. serum immunofixation). Urgent samples can be prioritised by contacting the laboratory. |
| Notes | Where appropriate, further analysis will be carried out, eg. immunofixation/immunotyping and quantitation of paraproteins. |