Protein Electrophoresis - 24 Hrs. Urine – BC258
🔬 Specialized Protein TestReport: Same Day
Sample Type: 24-Hour Urine Collection
Test Code: BC258
Urine Protein Electrophoresis (UPEP) is a specialized test that separates the different types of proteins present in a 24-hour urine sample based on their size and electrical charge. Its primary purpose is to detect the presence of abnormal monoclonal proteins, such as Bence-Jones proteins.
✔ A key diagnostic test for conditions like Multiple Myeloma and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.
✔ Helps identify abnormal proteins that are not detected by routine urine protein tests.
✔ Provides a more detailed analysis than a simple total protein measurement.
✔ Requires a strict 24-hour urine collection.
Beyond Quantity: Identifying the Type of Protein
While a standard urine protein test tells you *if* you are losing protein through your kidneys, it doesn't tell you *what kind* of protein it is. Urine Protein Electrophoresis (UPEP) answers this crucial next question. In the lab, an electrical current is passed through the urine sample on a special gel. Different proteins move at different speeds, separating into distinct bands. This allows the pathologist to identify the proportions of normal proteins (like albumin) and, more importantly, to spot any abnormal protein bands that shouldn't be there.
The Search for Bence-Jones Proteins and Multiple Myeloma
The most important application of UPEP is the detection of **Bence-Jones proteins**. These are portions of monoclonal immunoglobulins (also known as M-proteins or paraproteins) produced by cancerous plasma cells. The presence of Bence-Jones proteins in the urine is a hallmark of **Multiple Myeloma**, a type of cancer affecting plasma cells in the bone marrow. A routine urine dipstick test often fails to detect these specific proteins, making UPEP an essential and specific test for diagnosing this condition.
The result of the electrophoresis is often a graph showing different peaks. A large, sharp spike in a specific region, known as an **"M-spike,"** is the characteristic finding of a monoclonal protein.
The 24-Hour Urine Collection Procedure
To get an accurate measurement of the total abnormal protein being excreted, a complete 24-hour urine collection is required. Please follow these instructions precisely:
- Start Time: Choose a time to begin (e.g., 7:00 AM). At this time, urinate into the toilet, completely emptying your bladder. Do not collect this first sample. Note down the exact start time.
- Collect All Subsequent Urine: For the next 24 hours, collect every drop of your urine in the special container provided by the lab. Store the container in a cool, dark place (like a refrigerator) during this period.
- Final Collection: Exactly 24 hours after your start time (e.g., at 7:00 AM the next day), empty your bladder one last time and add this final sample to the collection container. This completes the process.
- Submit Sample: Bring the entire collection container to the lab as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Your doctor likely ordered this test to screen for an abnormal protein in your urine, which can be a sign of certain blood cancers like Multiple Myeloma. It is often ordered if you have unexplained anemia, bone pain, high calcium, or kidney problems.
Bence-Jones proteins are abnormal protein fragments (immunoglobulin light chains) produced by cancerous plasma cells. Their presence in the urine is a key indicator of Multiple Myeloma.
A regular test measures the *total amount* of protein. This electrophoresis test separates the proteins and tells you the *types* of protein present. Its main job is to find specific abnormal proteins that a regular test might miss.
The amount of protein excreted can vary during the day. A 24-hour collection provides an average picture of what your body is excreting over a full day, giving a more accurate and representative result for diagnosing conditions like multiple myeloma.