Laboratory Medicine

Test Directory / Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis

Blown clotted serum, gel barrier

Test	Electrophoresis
Common Abbreviations	ELE / EPS / Capillarys
Profile	NA
Tube type	Blown clotted serum, gel barrier
Clinical Indication	Serum electrophoresis should be used alongside Bence Jones protein in the diagnosis of myeloma and other paraprotein disorders. It is also used for monitoring patients already diagnosed with myeloma or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.
Specimen Type	Blood
Sample type	Serum
Minimum Volume	0.5mL If requesting more than 10 tests please send an additional brown clotted serum sample.
Special Precautions	No special requirements
Stability	10 days at 2-8°C
Turnaround Time	Inpatient: 3 days Outpatient/ GP: 3 days May be longer if additional tests are required
Laboratory	York
Reference Interval	Interpretative result provided
Limitations	Haemolysed samples give split alpha-2 peaks and should be avoided. Icteric samples show significant differences in appearance to normal serum and should not be analysed. Plasma samples should not be analysed as they contain fibrinogen which migrates in the beta-2 region, which could be interpreted as a paraprotein.
Notes

Update for visitors

Visiting restrictions are in place at our hospitals to stop the spread of norovirus. These restrictions will be in place until further notice.

The following wards are closed to visitors:

York Hospital: Ward 29 and Ward 37.

There are four exceptions only to the restrictions. These are:

For patients who are receiving end of life care

Paediatric patients (babies and children)

Maternity care

The family carers of those with dementia

We understand these restrictions can be difficult when a loved one is unwell. The restrictions will be reviewed daily and lifted as soon as it is safe. Thank you for your understanding as we try to reduce the spread of norovirus in our hospitals.