Protein Electrophoresis Price in Pakistan: Rs 1,960 at Marham Lab

Serum protein electrophoresis separates the proteins in your blood into bands and measures each one. MedlinePlus explains that the technician places the blood sample on special paper and applies an electric current, so that the proteins move on the paper and form bands that show the amount of each protein. At Marham Lab it costs Rs 1,960, reduced from Rs 2,800.

Your [LFT](/labs/tests/lft-test-price) already reports total protein and albumin. This test breaks the rest apart.

MedlinePlus explains that serum proteins are classified as albumin or globulins, that albumin is the most abundant protein in the serum, carries many small molecules and is important for keeping fluid from leaking out of blood vessels into the tissues, and that globulins are divided into alpha-1, alpha-2, beta and gamma globulins. It adds the general rule: alpha and gamma globulin protein levels increase when there is inflammation in the body.

So a normal total protein can hide an abnormal pattern underneath, which is the reason this test exists.

MedlinePlus gives all six.

• Total protein: 6.5 to 8.1 g/dL or 65 to 81 g/L
• Albumin: 3.6 to 4.8 g/dL or 36 to 48 g/L
• Alpha-1 globulin: 0.2 to 0.4 g/dL or 2 to 4 g/L
• Alpha-2 globulin: 0.6 to 0.9 g/dL or 6 to 9 g/L
• Beta globulin: 0.6 to 1.1 g/dL or 6 to 11 g/L
• Gamma globulin: 0.8 to 1.8 g/dL or 8 to 18 g/L

It adds that these are common measurements, that normal value ranges may vary slightly among different labs, that some labs use different measurements or test different samples, and that you should talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific results.

MedlinePlus lists four causes, and all four are conditions that either lose protein or fail to make it.

• Protein-losing enteropathy, meaning abnormal loss of protein from the digestive tract or the inability of the digestive tract to absorb proteins
• Malnutrition
• Nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disorder
• Cirrhosis, meaning scarring of the liver and poor liver function

Nephrotic syndrome belongs with swelling of the legs and face and frothy urine. Cirrhosis belongs with the [LFT](/labs/tests/lft-test-price). Both are reasons a doctor orders this test rather than findings you should interpret alone.

Alpha-1 raised. MedlinePlus lists acute inflammatory disease, cancer, and chronic inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Alpha-1 low may be a sign of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, an inherited condition affecting the lungs and liver.

Alpha-2 raised may indicate acute or chronic inflammation. Alpha-2 low may indicate haemolysis, the breakdown of red blood cells. See our [haptoglobin page](/labs/tests/haptoglobin-test-price), since haptoglobin is an alpha-2 globulin and falls for the same reason.

Beta raised may indicate a disorder in which the body has problems breaking down fats, such as hyperlipoproteinaemia or familial hypercholesterolaemia, oestrogen therapy, or blood cancer such as myeloma. Beta low may indicate an abnormally low LDL cholesterol or malnutrition.

Gamma raised. MedlinePlus lists blood cancers including multiple myeloma, Waldenström macroglobulinaemia, lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia; monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS); chronic inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus; acute infection; and chronic liver disease.

Being straight about this, because it is the anxious part.

The usual reason a doctor orders protein electrophoresis is to look at the gamma region, and specifically to check whether a raised gamma is spread across the band or concentrated into a single sharp spike. A broad rise goes with infection, inflammation and chronic liver disease, which are common. A single spike raises the question of a plasma cell disorder, which is not.

Note what MedlinePlus lists alongside the cancers: MGUS, monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance. The name says it. A spike can exist without disease, and people live with MGUS under monitoring for years.

A haematologist reads this pattern. The numbers on your report will not tell you which shape your gamma band has, so take it to the doctor who asked for it rather than matching values against this page.

MedlinePlus states you may be asked not to eat or drink for 12 hours before this test. Confirm the fasting window with your lab or doctor.

It adds that certain medicines may affect the results, that your provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any, and that you should not stop any medicine before talking to your provider. Mention oestrogen or hormone therapy specifically, since MedlinePlus lists oestrogen therapy as a cause of raised beta globulin.

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. In Lahore the sample can be collected at your home at no extra cost.