Why is this procedure done?
This test is done to learn about a condition where you lose too much protein or you have too much of a kind of protein. Having the right amount of each kind of protein is very important. If you do not have enough of one kind of protein or have too much of another kind of protein, you could have serious health problems. ‚
The doctor may order a protein electrophoresis level to: ‚
- Check blood, urine, or the fluid around your spinal cord and brain
- Check findings that were not normal on other lab tests
- Learn about serious illnesses like multiple myeloma, infections, or kidney or liver problems
- Get information on protein in the urine
- Learn if treatment is working
- Go along with other tests
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor may learn that you have signs of an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal, it means your body is likely working in a normal way. Your signs may be caused by something else.
- If the results are not normal, you may have an illness. Your doctor may order more tests to learn more about what is wrong.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- This is based on what kind of test you are having. If you are having a blood test or random urine test, there are no special things to do before the test. You may need to do a 24 hour urine test. Your doctor may want to take a sample of the fluid around your brain and spine. This is your CSF or cerebrospinal fluid.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking and if you should stop taking any of them prior to this test
- If you have any bleeding problems
What happens during the procedure?
Blood Test: ‚
- It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood.
Urine test: ‚
- Random Urine test:
- You will get a clean plastic cup. You will use this to catch some of your urine.
- Wash your hands well with soap and warm water.
- Do not touch the inside of the cup or lid.
- Start to pass urine, then catch some urine using the plastic cup. Make sure your cup is about 1/3 full of urine.
- 24-hour urine collection test:
- First thing in the morning, empty your bladder of urine into the toilet. Do not save this urine.
- The next time you need to go, place the small cup into your urine stream. Collect your urine in the cup.
- Empty the cup into the large collection container. Keep the large container in the refrigerator.
- Save all of your urine in the container for 24 hours. Be sure to empty your bladder one last time just before the end of the 24-hour period and add it to the container.
- Take your urine to the lab as soon as possible.
CSF Test: ‚
- You will lie on your side with your knees pulled up to your chest. Sometimes, you will be asked to sit on an exam table and lean over with your head on a pillow.
- Your doctor cleans part of your back with antiseptic. At first it will feel cold and wet on your skin. You will be given a drug to numb the area where the lumbar puncture is done. This may sting a bit.
- Your doctor will put a needle in your lower back.
- A sample fluid will be taken out and sent to the lab for testing.
What happens after the procedure?
- Blood Test
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Put pressure with your other hand where the needle was. This will help with bruising and bleeding.
- CSF Test
- Drink at least 6 glasses of fluid in the next 12 hours.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Remain quiet for the next 24 hours.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for 48 hours. Do not exercise or do heavy lifting or repeated bending.
- Report any headache to your doctor.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your protein level. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/electrophoresis/tab/glance ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚