IMMUNO ELECTROPORESIS

Immunoelectrophoresis separates and identifies proteins in blood or other fluids by combining electrophoresis with antibody reactions. It detects and characterizes abnormal or monoclonal immunoglobulins, evaluates immune deficiencies and paraproteins, and helps diagnose conditions like multiple myeloma or chronic inflammation. It also quantifies specific protein components to monitor disease progression and response to therapy.

Electrophoresis separates charged molecules (usually proteins or nucleic acids) by size and charge using an electric field, producing bands for analysis. Immunoelectrophoresis combines electrophoresis with antibody diffusion to detect and characterize specific proteins: antibodies react with separated proteins to form visible precipitin arcs. Thus electrophoresis is a separation method, while immunoelectrophoresis adds immunologic identification and specificity.

Immunoelectrophoresis is a laboratory test and does not cause symptoms. It’s used when patients have signs suggesting abnormal antibodies or monoclonal proteins, such as recurrent or severe infections, unexplained fatigue, bone pain, anemia, easy bruising or bleeding, peripheral neuropathy, swollen lymph nodes, persistent proteinuria or edema. Results help diagnose conditions like multiple myeloma, immunodeficiencies, or autoimmune disorders.

Immunoelectrophoresis costs vary by country and lab: in India it’s typically ₹700–2,000; in the US about $50–250 for private labs; in the UK private testing runs around £20–150, while NHS testing is provided free to patients when ordered. Exact charges depend on facility, location and whether additional tests or consultations are included.

The four main types of immunoelectrophoresis are: classical (gel) immunoelectrophoresis, immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) for sensitive identification of immunoglobulins, counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) which accelerates antigen–antibody precipitation, and crossed immunoelectrophoresis (two-dimensional) for higher resolution and quantitation. Variants like rocket (Laurell) electrophoresis are used for rapid quantitative assays. Clinically, IFE and classical methods detect monoclonal proteins.

Normal immunoelectrophoresis shows a broad, polyclonal gamma band without a sharp monoclonal spike. Typical immunoglobulin reference ranges: IgG ~700–1600 mg/dL (7–16 g/L), IgA ~70–400 mg/dL (0.7–4.0 g/L), IgM ~40–230 mg/dL (0.4–2.3 g/L). Albumin:globulin ratio is usually about 1–2.5. Age and lab-specific ranges vary; clinical correlation and follow-up testing (eg, immunofixation) confirm abnormalities.