AN OVERVIEW
About Immunofixation Electrophoresis Serum Test
Why is the Immunofixation Electrophoresis Serum Test done?
Proteins are essential components of the body. They aid with the building and functioning of cells and tissues. Proteins are also essential in helping maintain the structure of organs and creating enzymes that aid with major body functions. The immunofixation electrophoresis near me is done by separating the proteins from each other on the basis of their size. This helps with understanding if any protein is absent or made in abnormally high or abnormally low levels.
The main proteins formed in the body are albumin and globulin. The globulin is further divided into four subgroups. These are:
- Alpha 1 globulin
- Alpha 2 globulin
- Beta globulin
- Gamma globulin
Albumin is mainly produced by the liver. Barring come immunoglobulins, most of the globulins are produced by the liver. When the levels are abnormal or if certain proteins are missing, the patient develops symptoms that can indicate certain diseases. These symptoms are:
- Frequently suffering from infections
- Nausea
- Feeling dehydrated
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- No control over urination
- Vertigo and dizziness
- Bone and joint pain
- Weight loss
What does the Immunofixation Electrophoresis Serum Test measure?
The process by which the immunofixation electrophoresis is conducted enables the protein particles to be removed via the process of creating a vacuum. Once the proteins are isolated, these proteins are stained with antibodies and projected on a band.
The band is seen in valleys and peaks and help doctors identify the disease. Both high and low levels are harmful for people.
High levels indicate:
- Dehydration
- Liver diseases
- Multiple myeloma
- Lymphoma
- High cholesterol
- Inflammatory diseases
- Kidney diseases
Low levels indicate:
- Genetic disorders like Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Malnutrition
- Chronic inflammatory disease
- High cholesterol levels in blood
Potential risks/side effects associated with the Immunofixation Electrophoresis Serum Test
The test poses no serious risks or side effects. Usually, the process of blood collection is done by experienced phlebotomists and they know how to make the process of venipuncture as painless as possible. They know the exact location on the arm that will be ideal for getting the correct amount of blood without causing damage to the surrounding tissues or capillaries.
People who are anemic or have a condition that makes them bruise easy, can feel dizziness or see the area around the puncture mark to be reddish. These are slight side effects and can be tackled with some rest and vitamin supplements.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
Are other tests required?
If the results indicate multiple myeloma, then to confirm the same doctors might suggest the bone marrow biopsy to the patient.
Can urine be used for electrophoresis?
If the blood test does not yield satisfactory results or if kidney disorders are suspected, urine samples for electrophoresis can be prescribed.
What other follow-up tests can be requested with the Immunofixation Electrophoresis Serum Test?
The test can be conducted along with complete blood count, urinalysis, and X-rays for bone lesions.
THINGS TO KNOW AFTER GETTING TESTED
Interpreting the Immunofixation Electrophoresis Serum Test results
There is no fixed range pertaining to this test. The peaks and valleys picked up by the stains and displayed on the computer are the guiding points to help understand which protein is in high levels and which are in low levels.
With the help of these markers, the test results can indicate the following conditions:
- Neurological disorders
- Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
- Leukemia
- Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance
Immunofixation Electrophoresis Serum Test In Chandigarh
Starts from 1000*
The immunofixation electrophoresis serum test, also known as IFE, is conducted to check for proteins, both globulin and albumin, in the blood. These markers help identify diseases that are often hard to diagnose or even detect as symptoms are often similar to other disorders. The immunofixation electrophoresis in Chandigarh also checks if the body is losing or storing abnormal protein amounts. Other names for this test are: protein electrophoresis, serum immunofixation, and serum protein electrophoresis.
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