Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: Overnight fasting is preferred, but not required.
- Turnaround: 3-4 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test combines serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) and immunofixation (IFE) to evaluate proteins in your blood. SPEP measures specific protein fractions, including albumin, alpha-1-globulin, alpha-2-globulin, beta globulin, gamma globulin, total globulin, total protein, and the A/G ratio, and can identify an M-spike. Immunofixation is used to identify immunoglobulins (antibodies), including IgA, IgG, and IgM, in your serum.
This is a pattern-based laboratory evaluation rather than a single-marker test. It is most often ordered to further evaluate a monoclonal globulin already detected on a protein electrophoresis, or to help characterize a possible lymphoproliferative process. The test result indicates whether abnormal immunoglobulin is present; it does not by itself establish a diagnosis.
Benefits
- Measures multiple serum protein fractions in one test
- Identifies IgA, IgG, and IgM immunoglobulins in serum
- Helps characterize a monoclonal globulin found on electrophoresis
- Supports further evaluation of a possible lymphoproliferative process
- Provides a protein and immunoglobulin pattern for provider review
Who Is This Test For?
- People with a monoclonal globulin already identified on electrophoresis
- People whose provider is evaluating a possible lymphoproliferative process
- People with symptoms like bone pain, weakness, or fatigue under evaluation
- People with recurrent infections being assessed alongside other findings
- People with symptoms such as bruising, swelling, or blurred vision under review
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. Do I need to fast before this test?
Overnight fasting is preferred, but not required. Follow this preparation exactly as listed to help ensure accurate results.
2. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 3-4 days. Turnaround may take longer depending on weather, holidays, or other lab delays.
3. Can timing or collection conditions affect this test?
The source does not specify a random, AM, PM, or 24-hour collection requirement for this test. Fasting, as noted above, is the main preparation factor that can affect the accuracy of your serum protein and immunoglobulin results.
4. Can this test identify the cause of fatigue by itself?
No. Fatigue can result from many different causes, and this test only indicates whether an abnormal immunoglobulin is present. A single result from this test does not establish the underlying cause of fatigue on its own.
5. How do I interpret my results?
Because this is a pattern-based evaluation, interpretation depends on the specific protein fractions and immunoglobulin classes measured, along with your symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory findings — the overall pattern across albumin, globulin fractions, A/G ratio, M-spike, and IgA, IgG, and IgM levels may be more informative than any single value alone. An abnormal finding does not by itself confirm a specific disease, and a normal result does not rule one out. Your healthcare provider is best positioned to interpret these results in the context of your overall health.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
6. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Share your results with a qualified healthcare provider for review. Your provider can determine whether additional evaluation is appropriate based on your full clinical picture.
Pre test preparation
Overnight fasting is preferred, but not required.
