Protein Electrophoresis Urine Test With Interpretation, 24-Hour With Reflex to IFE, 24-Hour Urine

What is the purpose of this test?

The Protein Electrophoresis Urine Test With Interpretation, 24-Hour With Reflex to IFE, 24-Hour Urine, is a medical test that provides a comprehensive analysis of the amount and type of protein in a patient's urine. This test is typically ordered when a patient shows symptoms such as swelling, fatigue, or abdominal pain, which may indicate a kidney or liver disorder. The test measures the amount of protein in the patient's urine over 24 hours and identifies the different types of proteins present. These proteins include albumin, globulin, and different protein fractions. The test results provide valuable information that helps doctors diagnose underlying medical conditions affecting the kidneys, liver, and other organs. 

If an M-spike is present in the urine, which is a sign of multiple myeloma, then an automatic reflex to urine immunofixation (IFE) will be performed. This additional test helps identify the specific type of protein that is present in the urine, which further aids in the diagnosis and management of multiple myeloma. The Protein Electrophoresis Urine Test is also used to monitor the progress of medical treatments for kidney or liver disease. By tracking changes in protein levels over time, doctors can adjust treatment plans as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients.

Overall, the Protein Electrophoresis Urine Test With Interpretation, 24-Hour With Reflex to IFE, 24-Hour Urine, is an essential diagnostic tool that provides valuable information about a patient's health. By identifying underlying medical conditions and monitoring treatment progress, this test can help patients receive the care they need to feel their best.

What do abnormal protein electrophoresis urine levels indicate?

If the urine sample has a significant amount of globulins or higher than higher-than-normal level of albumin, it may be indicative of the following:

• Acute urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Acute inflammation 
• Abnormal protein buildup in tissues and organs (amyloidosis)
• Decreased kidney function
• Kidney disease due to diabetes (diabetic nephropathy)
• Kidney failure
• A type of blood cancer (multiple myeloma)
• Group of symptoms that include protein in the urine, low protein level in the blood, swelling (nephrotic syndrome)

The Protein Electrophoresis Urine Test With Interpretation, 24-Hour With Reflex to IFE, 24-Hour Urine includes the following:

• Protein, Total, Urine - Protein, Total, Urine test checks for the amount of protein in a urine sample. It's used to evaluate kidney function. High protein levels in urine can indicate a problem related to kidney function.
• Prot, 24hr Calculated - Prot, 24hr Calculated is a test that measures the amount of protein in your urine over 24 hours. It can help diagnose or monitor kidney disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The test involves collecting all urine produced during 24 hours and then measuring the protein in the sample.
• Albumin - Albumin proteins keep the blood from leaking out of blood vessels. Albumin also helps carry some medicines and other substances through the blood and is essential for tissue growth and healing. More than half of the protein in blood serum is albumin.
• Alpha-1 globulin - High-density lipoprotein (HDL), the good type of cholesterol, is included in this fraction.
• Alpha-2 globulin - A protein called haptoglobin binds with hemoglobin and is included in the alpha-2 globulin fraction.
• Beta globulin - Beta globulin proteins help carry substances, such as iron, through the bloodstream and help fight infection.
• Gamma globulin - These proteins are also called antibodies. They help prevent and fight infection. Gamma globulins bind to foreign substances, such as bacteria or viruses, causing them to be destroyed by the immune system. See an illustration of the immune system.
• M-Spike - M-Spike is a blood protein used to diagnose and monitor multiple myeloma. Its level is measured through a blood test called SPEP. High levels indicate severity, while low or decreasing levels can mean effective treatment.
• M-Spike, mg/24 hr - M-spike is a protein measurement used to diagnose and track the progression of multiple myeloma, a type of cancer affecting plasma cells. It is measured in a 24-hour urine sample and indicates the amount of abnormal protein being produced by the cancerous cells.