Name of the Procedure:

Protein; electrophoretic fractionation and quantitation, serum (also known as Serum Protein Electrophoresis or SPEP)

Summary

The serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) test is a diagnostic tool used to analyze the types and amounts of proteins in your blood. It works by separating proteins in the blood serum based on their electrical charge and size.

Purpose

The SPEP test is conducted to help diagnose and monitor conditions associated with abnormal protein levels in the blood. These can include multiple myeloma, chronic inflammatory conditions, and liver diseases. The ultimate goal is to identify abnormal protein production and guide treatment decisions.

Indications

• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent fatigue
• Bone pain
• Recurrent infections
• Abnormal results in other blood tests
• Monitoring known conditions like multiple myeloma or chronic liver diseases

Preparation

• Fasting is generally not required.
• It’s important to inform the physician about any medications you are currently taking, as some drugs can affect protein levels.
• No specific diagnostic tests are usually required beforehand, but a complete blood count (CBC) may be ordered to complement the SPEP findings.

Procedure Description

1. A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm.
2. The blood sample is then sent to a lab, where it is spun in a centrifuge to separate the serum.
3. The serum is placed on a medium and exposed to an electrical current. This process, known as electrophoresis, causes the proteins to move and form distinct bands.
4. These bands are analyzed and quantified to identify and measure the different types of proteins.

Tools/Equipment Used:

• Needle and vial for blood draw
• Centrifuge
• Electrophoresis equipment

Anesthesia or Sedation: Not required.

Duration

The blood draw takes a few minutes, while the entire laboratory process, including analysis, may take several hours to a couple of days for results.

Setting

The blood sample is usually collected in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or diagnostic lab.

Personnel

• Phlebotomist or nurse to draw the blood
• Laboratory technician to perform the electrophoresis
• Pathologist or physician to interpret the results

Risks and Complications

• Minor discomfort or bruising at the blood draw site
• Rarely, infection at the puncture site
• The procedure itself is generally low-risk

Benefits

• Accurate identification and measurement of abnormal protein levels
• Early detection of serious conditions like multiple myeloma
• Guidance for effective treatment plans

Recovery

• Little to no recovery time is needed after the blood draw.
• Normal activities can typically be resumed immediately.
• Follow-up appointments may be necessary based on the test results.

Alternatives

• Urine protein electrophoresis (for conditions affecting kidney protein levels)
• Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) for more specific protein identification
• Blood tests like Complete Blood Count (CBC) or Liver Function Tests (LFT) for supplementary information

Pros and Cons of Alternatives:

• Urine protein electrophoresis can be more specific to kidney disorders but may be less informative for other conditions.
• Immunofixation electrophoresis can provide more detail but is usually done as a follow-up to abnormal SPEP results.

Patient Experience

• During the blood draw, you'll feel a quick pinch.
• Some minor bruising or redness may occur at the puncture site.
• No significant discomfort is expected after the procedure, making it minimally invasive and easy to recover from.