IMMUNOFIXATION ELECTROPHORESIS (IFE) - SERUM
(Flat ₹401 OFF - Limited Time)
Turnaround Time: 3rd Working Day | Sample: Blood (Serum) | Home Collection: Available
Serum Immunofixation Electrophoresis (SIFE) is the Gold Standard advanced diagnostic test used to identify specific abnormal proteins in the blood. It is primarily used to diagnose Multiple Myeloma, Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia, and Amyloidosis. If your doctor suspects a plasma cell disorder or if a previous protein test (SPEP) showed abnormal results, this test provides the definitive answer.
What is the Serum IFE Test?
Immunofixation Electrophoresis (IFE) is a laboratory technique that separates proteins in the blood based on their electrical charge and size. It then uses specific antibodies (antisera) to fix and identify specific immunoglobulins.
Think of your blood proteins as a crowd of people. A standard test (Serum Protein Electrophoresis or SPEP) tells you if there is a suspicious group in the crowd (an M-spike). However, it cannot tell you who they are. The IFE test acts like a detective that checks ID cards it identifies exactly which type of abnormal protein is present (e.g., IgG Kappa, IgA Lambda).
Why is this Test Performed? (Clinical Indications)
Doctors usually order this test when they suspect a condition related to abnormal plasma cells (types of white blood cells that make antibodies). Common reasons include:
- Diagnosing Multiple Myeloma: To confirm the diagnosis if a patient has bone pain, fractures, anemia, or kidney issues.
- Investigating Abnormal SPEP Results: If a routine protein test shows a Monoclonal Spike or M-Band.
- Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia: A rare cancer affecting B-cells.
- Amyloidosis: A condition where abnormal proteins build up in organs like the heart and kidneys.
- Monitoring Cancer Treatment: To see if chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant has successfully eliminated the abnormal proteins.
Understanding the Science: Heavy and Light Chains
To understand your report, you need to understand antibodies (Immunoglobulins). Every antibody is made of two parts:
- Heavy Chains: There are five types – IgG, IgA, IgM (common), and IgD, IgE (rare).
- Light Chains: There are two types Kappa (κ) and Lambda (λ).
In healthy people, these are balanced (Polyclonal). In diseases like Myeloma, cancer cells produce clones of just ONE type (Monoclonal). For example, they might produce millions of IgG Kappa antibodies. The IFE test detects this specific combination.
The CRAB Criteria for Testing
Physicians often use the acronym CRAB to decide if this test is needed. If you have these unexplained symptoms, an IFE test is critical:
| Criterion | Symptom Explanation |
|---|---|
| C - Calcium | High levels of calcium in the blood (Hypercalcemia), causing thirst, confusion, or nausea. |
| R - Renal | Renal (Kidney) failure or insufficiency. Unexplained high Creatinine levels. |
| A - Anemia | Low red blood cell count, causing fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. |
| B - Bone | Bone pain (especially in the back or ribs), lytic lesions (holes in bone), or fractures. |
How to Prepare for the Test
Preparation for the Serum IFE test is straightforward, but accuracy is key:
- Fasting: No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally.
- Medications: Inform your doctor if you are on any vaccinations (flu shot) or antibody therapies, as these can sometimes cause confusing results.
- Sample Collection: A phlebotomist will draw a few milliliters of blood from a vein in your arm. The procedure is quick and involves minimal pain.
Interpreting Your Results
The report will usually be narrative or an image of the gel bands. Here is what the terms mean:
1. Negative (Normal)
No monoclonal band is observed. The immunoglobulins are Polyclonal, meaning they are a normal, diverse mix of antibodies fighting infections.
2. Positive (Monoclonal Gammopathy)
A distinct, sharp band is seen. The lab will name it, for example: Monoclonal Gammopathy detected, identified as IgG Lambda type.
Serum IFE vs. Urine IFE: Do I need both?
Often, doctors order both Serum IFE (blood) and Urine IFE (24-hour urine sample) together.
- Serum IFE: Detects intact antibodies in the blood.
- Urine IFE: Detects Bence Jones Proteins (Free Light Chains) that are small enough to pass through kidneys into urine.
Some patients (about 20%) have Light Chain Myeloma where the protein only shows up in urine, not blood. Therefore, doing both tests provides the most complete picture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It is extremely accurate. When combined with SPEP and Free Light Chain assays, it detects over 97% of Myeloma cases.
Sometimes. Acute infections or autoimmune diseases can cause a Polyclonal increase, but rarely a Monoclonal band. However, transient bands can appear after severe infections, which disappear later.
Because this test involves complex manual steps (electrophoresis and staining), it takes longer than routine blood tests. Sanovra Lab provides reports by the 3rd Working Day.
No more than a standard insect bite. It is a simple blood draw.
The market price ranges from ₹6500 to ₹8000. Sanovra Lab offers it at a discounted rate of ₹5999.
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Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a qualified Hematologist or Oncologist in the context of clinical findings.