Electrophoresis is a diagnostic method of identifying certain types of abnormal proteins. This clinical procedure is prescribed by practitioners if they suspect kidney damage or multiple myeloma in an individual. Often, abnormal protein electrophoresis is conducted to find traces of monoclonal proteins. The abnormal protein electrophoresis is considered one of the most effective ways to diagnose fatal ailments as well as to monitor a disease and its progress after treatment is commenced. Other instances where abnormal protein electrophoresis is widely used are in cases of liver problems, damaged nutrition systems, and intestinal syndromes which instigate wastage of proteins and immunity malfunction.
Abnormal Protein Electrophoresis for Kidney Dysfunction
Abnormal protein electrophoresis is used to detect kidney dysfunction or damage. The urine normally contains small amounts of proteins, but the protein content in the kidneys reach alarming levels due to infections or malignancy of the kidneys. Abnormal protein electrophoresis then becomes imperative to identify the extent of damage to the kidneys. Patients with prolonged diabetes often excrete abnormal proteins excessively. After diagnosis, doctors often conduct the tests at regular intervals to monitor the response of medications which have been administered.
Types
There are various kinds of abnormal protein electrophoresis. A medical practitioner refers protein electrophoresis when they find symptoms of multiple myeloma in patients. These symptoms include fatigue for extended phases, bone fractures, chronic anemia and infections which are recurrent in nature. If a protein electrophoresis provides evidence of immunoglobulin, doctors often recommend another effective form of clinical test called the immunofixation electrophoresis. There is, however, another form of electrophoresis test, called the serum protein electrophoresis.
After Diagnosis
After a disease has been diagnosed, regular abnormal protein electrophoresis becomes a conclusive method to monitor the progress of the treatment. The tests help doctors understand and prevent spread of diseases. In cases of multiple myeloma, this test is an indispensable method of learning the patients’ response to treatment. Sometimes if a patient shows signs of monoclonal gammopathy resulting in an alarming increase in monoclonal protein, doctors order the tests at frequent intervals.
Drugs and Abnormal Protein Electrophoresis
There are certain prescription medications which can influence the results of protein electrophoresis. These are corticosteroids, aspirins, chlorpromazine, neomycin and bicarbonates. Doctors, therefore, often go through detailed medical history of a patient before sending him for abnormal protein electrophoresis. If a medical history shows that these medications have been administered recently to the patient, doctors try to chalk out an alternative plan to get to the root of the ailment from which the patient is suffering.
Abnormal Protein Electrophoresis Test
The test measures the quantities of albumin and globulin. Albumin is produced by the liver. The albumin acts as a binding agent for calcium and hormones, preventing these from being flushed out through urine. Globulin binds hemoglobin, and this protein also assists in blood clotting and transport of fat. This protein also strengthens the immune system by facilitating production of antibodies. The test therefore validates whether the right amounts of these proteins are present.