Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP)

The 9 tests in this panel

What each one measures and the range labs usually print for adults. Ranges differ a little between labs, so the range on your own report is the one your result is judged against.

• Protein, Total

  The total amount of protein in your blood, mainly albumin and globulin. It is read together with albumin and your liver and kidney tests.

  18+

  6–8.5 g/dL

• Albumin

  The main protein in blood plasma. Made by the liver, it keeps fluid inside your blood vessels and carries many substances.

  Adults

  3.5–5 g/dL

• Albumin, SPEP (percent of total protein)

  The share of your serum protein that is albumin, measured by protein electrophoresis. Albumin is the largest of the protein groups.

  Adults

  55.8–66.1 %

• Alpha-1 Globulin, SPEP (g/dL)

  The amount of serum protein in the alpha-1 zone on electrophoresis, mostly alpha-1 antitrypsin. Reported in g/dL.

  Adults

  0.19–0.46 g/dL

• Alpha-2 Globulin, SPEP (g/dL)

  The amount of serum protein in the alpha-2 zone on electrophoresis, including haptoglobin, alpha-2-macroglobulin and ceruloplasmin. Reported in g/dL.

  Adults

  0.48–1.05 g/dL

• Beta Globulin (total), SPEP (g/dL)

  The amount of serum protein in the beta zone on electrophoresis, mostly transferrin plus complement and some IgA and IgM. Reported in g/dL.

  Adults

  0.48–1.1 g/dL

• Gamma Globulin, SPEP (g/dL)

  The amount of protein in the gamma zone on serum electrophoresis, mostly antibodies. Reported in g/dL.

  18+

  0.4–1.8 g/dL

• M-Protein (Monoclonal Spike), Serum

  The size of a monoclonal protein (M-spike), a single antibody made by one group of plasma cells. Most people have none.

  Adults

  up to 0 g/dL

• SPEP Interpretation (Serum Protein Electrophoresis)

  A written summary of your serum protein electrophoresis pattern: for example a normal pattern, a monoclonal spike, or a broad rise or fall in one protein group.

Labs can include 2 more tests in this panel that we haven’t written up yet.