Albumin electrophoresis is a widely used laboratory test that provides valuable insights into the proteins circulating in your bloodstream. This diagnostic tool helps medical professionals assess overall health and detect imbalances in protein levels. By analyzing specific protein fractions, the test can indicate underlying conditions, guiding further investigation and diagnosis.
Understanding the Test
The albumin electrophoresis test analyzes two main types of proteins found in blood serum: albumin and globulins. Albumin is the most abundant protein in blood plasma, produced primarily by the liver. Its main functions include maintaining osmotic pressure, which prevents fluid from leaking out of blood vessels, and transporting various substances such as hormones, fatty acids, bilirubin, and certain medications throughout the body.
Electrophoresis is the technique used to separate these proteins. It involves placing a blood serum sample onto a specialized medium, such as a gel, and applying an electric current. Proteins carry an electrical charge, and their movement through the gel varies based on their charge, size, and shape. This process causes the proteins to separate into distinct bands, creating a unique pattern or profile that can be analyzed.
Why the Test is Performed
Doctors often recommend an albumin electrophoresis test when there are signs or symptoms that suggest a protein imbalance or an underlying health issue. These symptoms can be general, such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, or bone pain. Other indications include unexplained anemia, peripheral neuropathy, or elevated calcium levels in the blood.
The test helps investigate conditions affecting the plasma cells, which produce certain proteins, or disorders of organs like the liver and kidneys. It is also used to assess inflammation, autoimmune disorders, or nutritional deficiencies.
How the Test is Conducted
Undergoing an albumin electrophoresis test is a straightforward procedure, typically involving a routine blood draw. A healthcare professional collects a blood sample, usually from a vein in your arm or hand. This process is generally quick and carries minimal risks, such as minor bruising or a slight sting at the collection site.
While specific preparation instructions may vary, you might be asked to fast for a certain period, often 12 hours, before the test, or to discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor. Once collected, the blood sample is sent to a laboratory. There, technicians prepare the serum and apply it to a gel or specialized paper. An electric current is then applied, allowing the proteins to separate into distinct bands for analysis and interpretation.
Interpreting Your Results
The results of an albumin electrophoresis test are presented as a pattern of protein bands, each representing a different group of proteins. The largest and most prominent band is albumin, which typically appears as a single, tall peak closest to the positive electrode. Following albumin, the test separates globulins into four main fractions: alpha-1, alpha-2, beta, and gamma globulins.
A normal protein pattern shows a characteristic distribution of these bands within established reference ranges. Deviations from this pattern, such as elevated or decreased peaks in specific regions, can indicate various conditions. For instance, a reduced albumin band might suggest malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney issues, while an elevated albumin level can point to dehydration. Changes in the globulin fractions, such as increases in alpha-1 and alpha-2 globulins, often suggest inflammation or infection.
Conditions Identified by Abnormalities
A common finding is a sharp, homogeneous peak in the gamma globulin region, known as a monoclonal gammopathy or M-protein. This pattern often signals plasma cell disorders, such as multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, or amyloidosis. These conditions involve abnormal production of certain antibodies.
Liver diseases, particularly cirrhosis, frequently lead to a decreased albumin level due to impaired protein synthesis by the liver. These conditions also commonly show an increase in gamma globulins, sometimes appearing as a “beta-gamma bridging” pattern, where the beta and gamma regions merge. Kidney diseases, such as nephrotic syndrome, are characterized by a significant loss of albumin in the urine, resulting in low serum albumin. This may be accompanied by elevated alpha-2 and beta globulins as the body tries to compensate.
Chronic inflammation or autoimmune disorders often present with a broad increase across the gamma globulin region, referred to as a polyclonal gammopathy. This indicates a generalized immune response rather than the specific, single-antibody production seen in monoclonal gammopathies. A decrease in the alpha-1 globulin fraction can point to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic disorder affecting the lungs and liver.