proteinElectrophoresisByImmunofixationBloodTest

Reviewed

Also called: Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), Protein electrophoresis, SPE, Immunofixation electrophoresis, IFE, Serum immunofixation

This test measures the number and type of proteins in your blood to help check for or monitor conditions that affect protein levels, such as multiple myeloma, other cancers, kidney or liver disease, autoimmune disorders, and malnutrition. Results must be interpreted by your healthcare provider along with your symptoms, age, medical history, and other tests.

Specimen: blood

Why this test may be ordered

  • Symptoms of multiple myeloma (bone pain, fatigue, anemia, frequent infections, easy bruising, trouble breathing, high calcium levels)
  • Symptoms of multiple sclerosis (numbness, vision problems, muscle weakness, trouble walking, dizziness, bladder problems)
  • Symptoms of malnutrition or malabsorption (weight loss, weakness, fatigue, diarrhea, frequent infections)
  • Abnormal results on other blood tests (e.g., low albumin, abnormal total protein, high calcium, low white or red blood cell counts)
  • Monitoring a known condition that affects protein levels

Preparation and collection

No special preparation needed.

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. You may feel a brief sting; the process usually takes less than five minutes.

There is very little risk. You may have slight pain or bruising at the needle site, but most symptoms go away quickly.

Understanding results

Your results will show whether your protein levels are normal or if certain proteins are too high or too low. Many conditions can cause abnormal levels. Your provider will interpret your results based on your overall health.

  • Normal protein levels across all subgroups: No significant abnormality detected in the protein fractions. Limitation: This test does not rule out all conditions; clinical correlation is needed. Next step: Routine
  • High gamma globulin with a monoclonal band (M-protein): May indicate multiple myeloma, MGUS, or other plasma cell disorders. Limitation: Further testing (e.g., urine immunofixation, bone marrow biopsy) is needed for diagnosis. Not all M-proteins indicate cancer. Next step: Prompt
  • Low albumin: May be seen in malnutrition, malabsorption, liver disease, kidney disease, protein-losing enteropathy, severe burns, or inflammatory conditions. Limitation: Low albumin is nonspecific; additional tests are required to determine the cause. Next step: Routine
  • High alpha-1 globulin: May be associated with inflammatory diseases or pregnancy. Limitation: This is a nonspecific finding; clinical context is essential. Next step: Routine
  • Results can be affected by recent vaccines (within the past 6 months) and certain medicines.
  • This test alone does not diagnose a specific condition; it must be interpreted with other clinical information.
  • Abnormal results may require follow-up with urine immunofixation or other tests.

What to do next

Discuss your results with your healthcare provider to understand what they mean for your health and whether any follow-up tests are needed.

  • What do my specific protein levels indicate?
  • Do I need any additional tests based on these results?
  • How do my symptoms and medical history relate to these findings?

Evidence source

U.S. National Library of Medicine: proteinElectrophoresisByImmunofixationBloodTest

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