Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPE)

What To Think About

• Electrophoresis on protein in urine may also be done, especially if the results of the serum protein electrophoresis test are abnormal. Normally very little protein is found in urine, but certain diseases (such as multiple myeloma) cause large amounts of protein to leak into the urine.
• Although abnormal protein levels may be found in many conditions (such as kidney disease, chronic liver disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, or leprosy), serum protein electrophoresis is usually not done to diagnose these conditions.
• A special test can be done for one of the major parts of the alpha-1 globulin group (called alpha-1 antitrypsin). Alpha-1 antitrypsin inhibits enzymes in the lungs that break down protein. These enzymes can damage normal lung tissue and cause emphysema. People born without the ability to produce alpha-1 antitrypsin often develop severe emphysema at a young age. This condition can be detected by testing them for alpha-1 antitrypsin. For more information, see the topic Alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency Genetic Testing.
• A test for total serum protein is often done at the same time as serum protein electrophoresis. For more information, see the medical test Total Serum Protein.

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Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: June 16, 2006
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
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