EPU - Overview: Electrophoresis, Protein, 24 Hour, Urine (2023)

FAQs

What is protein electrophoresis 24-hour urine test? ›

What is the 24-hour urine protein test? The 24-hour urine protein test checks how much protein is being spilled into the urine, which can help detect disease or other problems. The test is simple and noninvasive. Urine samples are collected in one or more containers over a period of 24 hours.

The main reason for performing urine protein electrophoresis is to find a light chain myeloma producing an excess of free light chains (Bence Jones protein), an important part of a myeloma screen.

Normal value ranges are: Total protein: 6.4 to 8.3 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or 64 to 83 grams per liter (g/L) Albumin: 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL or 35 to 50 g/L. Alpha-1 globulin: 0.1 to 0.3 g/dL or 1 to 3 g/L.

Blood cancers, including multiple myeloma, Waldenström macroglobulinemia , lymphomas, and chronic lymphocytic leukemias. Chronic inflammatory disease (for example, rheumatoid arthritis ) Acute infection. Chronic liver disease.

The protein electrophoresis test is often used to find abnormal substances called M proteins. The presence of M proteins can be a sign of a type of cancer called myeloma, or multiple myeloma. Myeloma affects white blood cells called plasma cells in the bone marrow.

A 24-hour urine collection helps diagnose kidney problems. It is often done to see how much creatinine clears through the kidneys. It's also done to measure protein, hormones, minerals, and other chemical compounds.

In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and crowd out healthy blood cells. Rather than produce helpful antibodies, the cancer cells produce abnormal proteins that can cause complications.

If you have more than 150 milligrams of protein in your pee per day, you have proteinuria. The upper limit of normal can vary a bit between laboratories. If you have 3 to 3.5 grams of protein in your pee per day, you have nephrotic-range proteinuria.

The amount of protein present in the urine sample excreted over 24-hours is used to diagnose the condition. More than 2 g of protein is considered to be severe and is likely to be caused by a glomerular malfunction.

If your urine protein remains high, it is likely a sign of kidney disease or kidney damage from other conditions. The amount of protein in your urine is linked to the amount of kidney damage you may have. But you will need more tests to diagnose what is causing the damage.

How long does it take to get results from protein electrophoresis? ›

Test results for each protein group are given as a percentage of the total amount of serum protein. To obtain the actual amount of each fraction, a test that measures the total serum protein must also be done. Results are usually ready in 2 to 3 days.

What is it used for? Hemoglobin electrophoresis measures hemoglobin levels and looks for abnormal types of hemoglobin. It's most often used to help diagnose anemia, sickle cell disease, and other hemoglobin disorders.

Urine protein electrophoresis may be ordered when you have abnormally high levels of protein in your urine. Immunofixation electrophoresis or immunosubtraction electrophoresis may be ordered when an abnormal band suggestive of a monoclonal immunoglobulin is detected on either a serum or a urine electrophoresis.

They include albumin trail, resolution, unequivalent staining, prestaining and the densitometry problems associated with band widths, opacity effects and polychromaticities.

A high total protein level could indicate dehydration or a certain type of cancer, such as multiple myeloma, that causes protein to accumulate abnormally. If the result of a total protein test is abnormal, further tests will be needed to identify which proteins are too high or too low.

Each time you void, the urine should be collected and stored in the large brown containers. Keep the containers at refrigerator temperature through the 24 hours. Remember, drink at least 8 glasses of water during the 24 hour period.

Normal Results

The normal range for 24-hour urine volume is 800 to 2,000 milliliters per day (with a normal fluid intake of about 2 liters per day). The examples above are common measurements for results of these tests.

When should you suspect multiple myeloma? ›

It's often only suspected or diagnosed after a routine blood or urine test. However, myeloma will eventually cause a wide range of problems, including: a persistent dull ache or specific areas of tenderness in your bones. weak bones that break (fracture) easily.

A small amount of protein in your urine is normal, but too much can be a sign of kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease

This prevents the kidneys from filtering the blood properly, and it can cause protein to seep into the urine. Often there are no symptoms in the early stages of CKD, but a person may experience: fatigue. difficulty concentrating.

They also remove things your body doesn't need, like waste products and extra water. If your kidneys are damaged, protein can “leak” out of the kidneys into your urine. Having protein in your urine is called “albuminuria” or “proteinuria.”

The two most common are diabetes and high blood pressure. Other serious conditions that can cause proteinuria include: Immune disorders such as lupus. Kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis)

Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) Malaria. Orthostatic proteinuria (urine protein level rises when in an upright position)

What is the cost of protein electrophoresis test? ›

Average price range of the test is between Rs. 120 to Rs. 3520 depending on the factors of city, quality and availablity.

Summary of Prices of Urine Protein Electrophoresis

The cost of Urine Protein Electrophoresis in India varies from ₹ 480 to ₹ 600 in 8 cities of India.

One part of the paraprotein is the light chain or Bence Jones protein, which the body gets rid of in the urine. Many people with myeloma have Bence Jones protein in their urine. These protein molecules can damage the kidneys as they pass through them from the blood to the urine.

Using electrophoresis, we can see how many different DNA fragments are present in a sample and how large they are relative to one another. We can also determine the absolute size of a piece of DNA by examining it next to a standard "yardstick" made up of DNA fragments of known sizes.

Normal Results

HbA: 95% to 98% (0.95 to 0.98) HbA2: 2% to 3% (0.02 to 0.03) HbE: Absent. HbF: 0.8% to 2% (0.008 to 0.02)

Serious protein deficiency can cause swelling, fatty liver, skin degeneration, increase the severity of infections and stunt growth in children. While true deficiency is rare in developed countries, low intake may cause muscle wasting and increase the risk of bone fractures.

This can cause problems such as bad breath, headache and constipation. Some high-protein diets allow red meats, processed meats and other foods high in saturated fat. These foods may increase your risk of heart disease. And they can increase your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol.

Eating too much protein for a prolonged period of time can cause place a burden on the kidneys, liver and bones, as well as potentially increase the risk for heart disease and cancer.

A normal amount of protein in your pee is less than 150 milligrams per day. If you have more than 150 milligrams of protein in your pee per day, you have proteinuria. The upper limit of normal can vary a bit between laboratories.

Test results for each protein group are given as a percentage of the total amount of serum protein. To obtain the actual amount of each fraction, a test that measures the total serum protein must also be done. Results are usually ready in 2 to 3 days.

What stage of kidney disease is protein in urine? ›

Stage 1 CKD means you have a normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 90 or greater, but there is protein in your urine (i.e., your pee). The presence of protein alone means you are in Stage 1 CKD.

A small amount of protein in your urine is normal, but too much can be a sign of kidney disease.

No preparation is needed for the test.