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Test Code: EPP Preferred Name Protein electrophoresis - serum

No
Phone Pathologist
weekdays
2 days
Medicare Item
N/A

Test Tubes

ImageSpecimen TypeSpecimen VolumeTube Type
Blood (adult)4 mLSST with gel 8.5 mL (Dark Yellow Top)
Blood (paediatric)1 mL2x SST with gel 600 uL Paed (Red or Yellow top)

COLLECTION NOTES

Urine is only collected if specifically requested.

GENERAL NOTES



APPLICATION:  For the dectection and quantitation of paraprotein bands in eg, multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia and some lymphoproliferative disorders.  Only 10% of patients with these disorders make light chains, which are small and rapidly filtered by the kidney, consequently becoming undetectable in blood.  In these cases a urine EPP may also be required.

Less specific serum patterns are seen in association with liver disease, infection, other inflammatory states, nephrotic syndrome or specific protein deficiencies.

INTERPRETATION:  Electrophoresis results may be diagnostic, but additional investigation may  be required to characterise the abnormalities.  See immunofixation.

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