Immunoelectrophoresis - blood

IEP - serum; Immunoglobulin electrophoresis - blood; Gamma globulin electrophoresis; Serum immunoglobulin electrophoresis; Amyloidosis - electrophoresis serum; Multiple myeloma - serum electrophoresis; Waldenström - serum electrophoresis

A blood sample is needed.

There is no special preparation for this test.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away.

This test is most often used to check the levels of antibodies when certain cancers and other disorders are present or suspected.

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.

Abnormal results may be due to:

• Multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer)
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia or Waldenström macroglobulinemia (types of white blood cell cancers)
• Amyloidosis (buildup of abnormal proteins in tissues and organs)
• Lymphoma (cancer of the lymph tissue)
• Kidney failure

Some people have monoclonal immunoglobulins, but do not have cancer. This is called monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance, or MGUS.

There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling lightheaded
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)