eLA: Serum Protein Electrophoresis

Question 1

How does electrophoresis separate things?

Answer 1

Separates proteins based on their physical properties, including their electric charge.

Question 2

What produces albumin?

Answer 2

The liver, it is the major protein component of serum

Question 3

What could cause low levels of albumin?

Answer 3

Liver damage or malnutrition, or when there is general protein loss or degradation like burns or trauma

Question 4

What Igs are seen in the beta globulins of SPE?

Answer 4

IgA and IgM

Question 5

What is UPE used for?

Answer 5

Urine Protein Electorphoresis is used to catch certain serum proteins that are small enough to pass into the urine. Useful in dx of gammopathies as it can assist in deteching Ig light chains. Finding a single L chain type would indicate the presence of a monoclonal condition (normal ratio is 3:1)

Question 6

A 72-year-old African American male reports feeling fatigued, but denies any changes in body weight over the past 6 months. A complete metabolic panel indicates elevated total serum protein and slightly decreased albumin. SPE also indicates slightly decreased albumin and a spike in the g region. Of the following, which is the most likely diagnosis for this patient’s condition?

A. An acute viral infection

B. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance

C. Malnutrition

D. Hemorrahge

E. Systemic lupus erythematosus

Answer 6

B. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance