Understanding Your Protein Electrophoresis
Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) separates the different proteins in your blood into groups. The pattern helps detect certain immune, inflammatory, and blood disorders.
What It Measures
Your blood carries many proteins with different jobs. This test sorts them into major groups and measures the amount in each, creating a pattern or “fingerprint.”
Doctors look at the overall pattern, and especially for any unusual spike, which can point to specific conditions.
What Your Results Can Mean
| Result | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Normal PatternReassuring | The protein groups are in their expected proportions. |
| Low Albumin or Broad ChangesNonspecific | Can reflect inflammation, liver or kidney issues, or nutrition, and is interpreted with your other tests. |
| Abnormal SpikeMonoclonal Protein | An unusual concentration of one protein that may need further testing to understand its cause. |
What’s Most Important to Know
This test is often ordered to investigate specific findings, such as unexplained anemia, certain protein levels, or particular symptoms.
An abnormal pattern is a starting point, not a diagnosis. Dr. Mui will explain what your result means and whether any follow-up is needed.
This page is for general education and does not replace a conversation with your doctor about your specific results. Want to review your results? Book a visit and we’ll go through them together.