What does Immunofixation electrophoresis test for?

A serum immunofixation test measures specific proteins in your blood. It helps to identify certain illnesses that are otherwise hard to detect, such as multiple myeloma, a blood cancer. The test is also known as IFE, immunofixation electrophoresis, or protein electrophoresis.

What is the difference between immunofixation and electrophoresis?

Urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) is used to identify the presence of the Bence Jones protein in urine. Immunofixation is used to identify the subtype of protein (ie, IgA lambda).

What does a negative immunofixation blood test mean?

A normal (negative) result means that the blood sample had normal types of immunoglobulins. The level of one immunoglobulin was not higher than any other.

What diseases does serum protein electrophoresis test for?

Serum protein electrophoresis is used to identify patients with multiple myeloma and other serum protein disorders. Electrophoresis separates proteins based on their physical properties, and the subsets of these proteins are used in interpreting the results.

What does high protein electrophoresis mean?

Protein electrophoresis is a lab method that separates proteins based on their size and electrical charge. Knowing which proteins are present, absent, elevated, or decreased in body fluids such as blood can help diagnose and/or monitor various diseases and conditions.

What lab test is immunofixation?

What is an immunofixation (IFE) blood test? An immunofixation blood test, also known as protein electrophoresis, measures certain proteins in the blood. Proteins play many important roles, including providing energy for the body, rebuilding muscles, and supporting the immune system.

How is multiple myeloma diagnosed?

Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis Diagnosing multiple myeloma includes blood work, a 24-hour urine collection, a bone marrow biopsy, imaging studies (such as x-rays, MRIs, PET scans) and bone density tests.