Serum protein electrophoresis (spep) test

Serum protein electrophoresis is most often done to help diagnose and monitor a wide variety of conditions. These include:

• Some forms of cancer.
• Problems with the kidneys or liver.
• Problems with the immune system.
• Conditions that lead to poor nutrition.

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.

In general, there’s nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.

Test results for each protein group are given as a percentage of the total amount of serum protein. To obtain the actual amount of each fraction, a test that measures the total serum protein must also be done.

Normal

Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.

High values

High values may be caused by many conditions. Some of the most common are shown here.

• High albumin: Dehydration
• High alpha-1 globulin: Infection; inflammation
• High alpha-2 globulin: Inflammation; kidney disease
• High beta globulin: Very high cholesterol; low iron (iron-deficiency anemia)
• High gamma globulin: Inflammation; infection; liver disease; some forms of cancer

Low values

Low values may be caused by many conditions. Some of the most common are shown here.

• Low albumin: Poor nutrition; inflammation; liver disease; kidney disease
• Low alpha-1 globulin: Some genetic problems
• Low alpha-2 globulin: Kidney disease; some cancers
• Low beta globulin: Poor nutrition
• Low gamma globulin: Problems with the immune system