Contributed by– Healthians Team
What is the SPEP test?
Proteins are the compounds in the body that help to transport nutrients throughout the body and fight off diseases. The Serum Protein Electrophoresis is a test used to measure different types of proteins in the blood serum that includes albumin protein, alpha-1 globulins, alpha-2 globulin, beta globulin, and gamma globulins.
This test is used along with other tests such as globulin tests or serum albumin tests or full-body health checkups to diagnose different kinds of diseases.
Who should get the SPEP test?
If anyone is affected with diseases associated with abnormal protein levels such as arthritis, sickle cell anaemia, liver, or kidney-related diseases, then the doctor may order the serum protein electrophoresis test or they can also order it as a routine test with the regular health check-up.
Why is the SPEP test needed?
If all the components from blood are removed, then there is one liquid substance left and that is called serum. Albumin is the most abundant serum protein in the blood. Albumin protein keeps the serum fluid from leaking out of the blood vessels into the tissues.
Globulins are the serum proteins that can be divided into different types of such as alpha-1, alpha-2, beta, and gamma globulins. When there is inflammation in the body, globulin levels get elevated. To get a clear picture of certain types of inflammatory diseases or measure the protein levels, doctors and health practitioners order this test.
What does SPEP test results mean?
The SPEP test results may vary in different laboratories. Abnormal test results indicate some health problems such as loss of protein from the digestive tract, kidney, or liver disorders.
- Albumin: The normal range for albumin is 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL. Levels higher than the normal range indicates dehydration. Albumin levels lower than normal indicate liver or kidney diseases.
- Alpha-1 globulin: The normal range of this protein is 0.1 to 0.3 g/dL. When there is an inflammation in the body, the levels show higher than normal. Levels lower than the normal range indicates liver disease.
- Alpha-2 globulin: The normal range for alpha-2 globulin is 0.6 to 1.0 g/dL. Levels higher than the normal range indicates kidney diseases whereas levels lower than the normal range indicates poor nutrition.
- Beta globulin: The normal range of beta globulin is 0.7 to 1.2 g/dL. Levels higher than the normal range indicate diseases such as multiple myeloma, anaemia, and high cholesterol whereas levels lower than the normal range indicate poor nutrition or liver cirrhosis.
- Gamma globulin: The normal range of gamma globulin is 0.7 to 1.6 g/dL. Levels higher than the normal range indicate rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory diseases or liver diseases whereas levels lower than the normal range indicate an immune deficiency in the body.
How is the SPEP test done?
A blood sample is needed to perform this test. First, the technician ties a band on the upper arm and then wipes out the area with a disinfectant. Then a needle is inserted into the vein and blood sample is collected. After collecting the blood sample, it is sent to the lab for testing. There is no preparation needed for this test.
