SPEP is used to help diagnose and monitor a variety of different diseases or disorders that have abnormal proteins or protein levels.
Some of the conditions that could be causing these symptoms are:
cancer.thyroid problems.diabetes.anemia.liver diseases.malnutrition.certain autoimmune diseases.multiple sclerosis.
What does a high SPEP mean?
Serum protein electrophoresis is generally considered in any patient with an elevated total protein, especially those with elevated globulin level relative to albumin, or any signs and symptoms suggestive of an underlying plasma cell disorder such as multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, or primary
Does Spep test for multiple myeloma?
Blood Tests
SPEP looks specifically for an abnormally high amount of an immunoglobulin known as the M protein. It’s released by cancerous plasma cells called myeloma cells, and finding it in your blood can be the first step to diagnosing multiple myeloma.
What is a normal SPEP level?
Normal Results
Normal value ranges are: Total protein: 6.4 to 8.3 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or 64 to 83 grams per liter (g/L) Albumin: 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL or 35 to 50 g/L. Alpha-1 globulin: 0.1 to 0.3 g/dL or 1 to 3 g/L.
How long do SPEP results take?
Results are usually ready in 2 to 3 days.
Why is SPEP done?
Serum protein electrophoresis is most often done to help diagnose and monitor a wide variety of conditions. These include: Some forms of cancer. Problems with the kidneys or liver.
Should I be worried about high protein in blood?
High blood protein is not a specific disease or condition in itself, but it might indicate you have a disease. High blood protein rarely causes signs or symptoms on its own. But sometimes it is uncovered while you’re having blood tests done as part of an evaluation for some other problem or symptom.
What does SPEP stand for?
Test Overview
The serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) test measures specific proteins in the blood to help identify some diseases. Proteins are substances made up of smaller building blocks called amino acids.
What disease is caused by too much protein?
Overview. Amyloidosis is a condition in which too much of a particular protein (amyloid) collects in the organs, so that they are not able to work normally. Amyloidosis can affect the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system, stomach or intestines.
What is usually the first symptom of multiple myeloma?
Signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma can vary and, early in the disease, there may be none. When signs and symptoms do occur, they can include: Bone pain, especially in your spine or chest. Nausea.
What cancers are detected by blood tests?
What types of blood tests can help detect cancer?
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer.Cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) for ovarian cancer.Calcitonin for medullary thyroid cancer.Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for liver cancer and testicular cancer.
When should you suspect multiple myeloma?
Your Doctor May Suspect Multiple Myeloma Before You Do
Low red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, and platelet counts, which are common in multiple myeloma. High levels of calcium in your blood, called hypercalcemia. Abnormal proteins in your blood or urine.
When should I order SPEP?
Other more-specific tests, including serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), can help determine the exact source, such as liver or bone marrow, as well as the specific protein type involved in your high blood protein levels. Your doctor may order an SPEP if he or she suspects you have a bone marrow disease.
Can stress cause high globulin?
After the first exposure to stress a relative alpha1-globulin increase was observed. After 10 stress exposures the hitherto neutral stimulus alone produced a conditioned increase in the alpha1-globulin fraction.
What is a normal protein level for a woman?
Normal Results
The normal range is 6.0 to 8.3 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or 60 to 83 g/L. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What are free light chains in the blood?
Normally, plasma cells make a small amount of extra light chains that don’t bind with heavy chains. They are instead released into the bloodstream. These unlinked chains are known as free light chains. There are two types of light chains: lambda and kappa light chains.
What happens if serum protein is high?
High total protein: Too much protein in your blood can be a sign of chronic infection or inflammation (like HIV/AIDS or viral hepatitis). It can also be an early sign of a bone marrow disorder. Low A/G ratio: This might be the sign an autoimmune disorder, where your body’s immune system attacks healthy cells.
