Protein Electrophoresis By: Dr. Beenish Zaki

Introduction to Electrophoresis Electrophoresis is a laboratory technique where the blood serum (is placed on agarose gel and exposed to an electrical current to separate the serum protein components.

Note the relative sizes and shapes of the globulin fractions. Normal Pattern                                                                                                   Note the relative sizes and shapes of the globulin fractions.

EQUIPMENT FOR ELECTROPHORESIS

ELECTROPHORETIC PACK

POWER PACK

AGAROSE GEL

Micropipette and Applicator

DRYER

INTERPRETATION OF ELECTROPHORESIS

Cirrhotic Pattern In the cirrhotic pattern, the distinction between beta and gamma globulin is blurred and is sometimes referred to as the "beta-gamma bridge" pattern.

Monoclonal (M) Protein Present Serum shows the M protein was IgG kappa. The patient was a 72 year old male who presented with lower back pain. Quantitative immunoglobulin measurements showed a large increase in serum IgG, but decreased IgA and IgM. Bone marrow exam revealed a large increase in plasma cells that were frequently aggregated