Serum Protein Electrophoresis

Protein is one of the main molecules that make up many of the compounds and products in the body. Serum protein electrophoresis (spep) is a type of test that measures the amount of specific proteins in the body. The test measures 5 major proteins; albumin and 4 different globulins, as well as total protein, total globulin and certain ratios. This test is not frequently performed since electrophoresis is expensive, but this can aid in the diagnosis of cancers, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, liver disease, edema, poor nutrition and immune system problems.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Protein on urine dipstick
• Part of a pregnancy workup
• Urinary tract infection
• Evaluation kidney function
• Urinary symptoms like frequency, burning, urgency
• Nutritional deficiency
• Unexplained weight loss
• Edema

Also Known As: Spep