[mhda]

Immunoelectrophoresis test - what to expect?

by mhda on Sat Apr 25, 2015 9:10 am

I had a serum immunoelectrophoresis test done on Wednesday of this past week and am still waiting on results.

My question is: Is this test the same as the SPEP?

The prefix immuno lead me to wonder if the IgX levels would be included on the results.

Any info is greatly appreciated!

mhda

[Multibilly]

Re: Immunoelectrophoresis test - what to expect

by Multibilly on Sat Apr 25, 2015 9:32 am

MHDA,

An immunofixation (IFE) test is usually done in conjunction with a serum protein electrophoresis test (SPEP). The immunofixation test can tell you very accurately if any monoclonal protein is present and what type it is (i.e. IgG lambda, etc), but it doesn't measure the amount of that monoclonal protein. The SPEP then measures the amount of monoclonal protein that may be present, but it doesn't know the type of monoclonal protein that is being measured.

Depending on the lab running the tests, the SPEP "may" then refer to the IFE results to tell you what kind of M-spike is being measured by the SPEP. But you may have to make the connection yourself by comparing the the IFE and SPEP results side-by-side. When I get my labs done at my local hospital, they connect the dots for me on the SPEP report. However, Quest Diagnostics (who I currently use) does not.

To make matters even more confusing, some SPEP results spell out both the M-spike value and the type on one simple, plain English notation that is made by the lab technician. But other labs may only call out the SPEP M-spike value(s) via an entry on the lab test such as "Abnormal Protein Band 1, 2, 3, etc".

[mhda]

Re: Immunoelectrophoresis test - what to expect

by mhda on Sat Apr 25, 2015 11:00 am

Multibilly,

Thank you for the response. I am still trying to get all the lingo down and, wow, there's a lot of it! It sounds like, depending on the results, there would be additional testing needed.

I live in a small town and the tests were called in by GP and not a hematologist or myeloma specialist. I've read a few posts here to get a better understanding of the tests and just didn't see the immunoelectrophoresis mentioned. After I had the test, I wondered if it was the right one.

I went to the local hospital diagnostic center and hope I get the details you mention in your post.

I've read a lot of your posts and you seem very knowledgable. I appreciate your reply.

Best,
mhda

[Multibilly]

Re: Immunoelectrophoresis test - what to expect?

by Multibilly on Sat Apr 25, 2015 7:40 pm

MHDA,

I just took the time to read your earlier posts. It sounds like you are simply trying to get screened for multiple myeloma because your father and grandfather had multiple myeloma.

If your doctor knows to look for signs of multiple myeloma, the tests that one gets with a basic physical exam can "likely" pick up a telltale sign if you were to be developing multiple mye­lo­ma. You just need to keep an eye on your total protein levels, total globulin levels, hemoglobin, calcium, and creatinine levels on your CBC and metabolic panels ... and be aware of any developing bone pains.

I did a little more digging and some folks use the term immunoelectrophoresis interchangeably with term immunofixation. In any case, the test you got is the appropriate kind of test for your particular situation, as it will tell you if you have any monoclonal protein present in your blood.

Immunoelectrophoresis or Immunofixation (IEP, IF, IFE)

This blood test is helpful with identifying the specific type of malignant heavy chain and light chain (e.g., IgG kappa or IgA lambda) present"

Source: http://cancer.ucsf.edu/research/multiple-myeloma/  

Last edited by Multibilly on Sun Apr 26, 2015 8:03 am, edited 1 time in total.

[mhda]

Re: Immunoelectrophoresis test - what to expect?

by mhda on Sat Apr 25, 2015 9:19 pm

Multibilly,

Sounds like the test will give me a good starting point!

There is a family history here but, from what I have read, there is not a lot of research on heredity as an increased risk factor. I read a Landgren (sp?) report from Sweden showing some links, but other posts I have seen say there is no link. multiple myeloma seems a bit tricky that way.

My father found out about his multiple myeloma at Stage III (in 2010) and passed away a short time after that. It was only then that we found out his own father died of the same thing. Both were in the cattle in­dustry, so I wonder if the working environment was a factor.

My GP wanted to establish a baseline for us to monitor for the future. I had some weird bloodwork (low RBC, low hemoglobin, high creatinine and BUN, and borderline high protein) with overall pains in February and finally a neurologist tested for EBV, which was positive. I have had sinus and other infections lately, so GP wanted to be on the safe side. I have a great GP who takes time to listen and research.

Again, thank you very much for the response.

mhda