Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPE)

Results

The serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) test measures specific proteins in the blood to help identify some diseases. 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.

Normal

Normal values may vary from lab to lab. Results are usually ready in 2 to 3 days.

Serum protein electrophoresis

	Total serum protein	Amount ingrams per deciliter (g/dL)	Amount in SI unitsgrams per liter (g/L)
Albumin	58%–74%	3.5–5.5	35–55
Alpha-1 globulin	2.0%–3.5%	0.2–0.4	2–4
Alpha-2 globulin	5.4%–10.6%	0.5–0.9	5–9
Beta globulin	7%–14%	0.6–1.1	6–11
Gamma globulin	8%–18%	0.7–1.7	7–17

High values

High values may be caused by:

• A disease of the immune system, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma.
• Dehydration.
• Heart disease.
• Infection.
• Kidney disease.
• Liver disease.
• Pregnancy.

Low values

Low values may be caused by:

• A disease of the immune system, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma.
• Dehydration.
• Diseases that prevent the intestines from absorbing the nutrients from food, such as sprue or Crohn's disease.
• Heart disease.
• Infection.
• Kidney disease.
• Liver disease.
• Low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism).
• Lung disease, such as emphysema.
• Pregnancy.
• Severe burns.
• Starvation or severe dieting.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: June 16, 2006
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.