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Immunoelectrophoresis - serum
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| Immunoelectrophoresis - serum |
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Definition:
Serum immunoelectrophoresis detects the presence or absence of immunoglobulins in the blood and assess the type (polyclonal or. monoclonal) of immunoglobulins. Alternative Names:
IEP - serum; Immunoglobulin electrophoresis - serum; Gammaglobulin electrophoresis; Serum immunoglobulin electrophoresis Text Continues Below
How the test is performed:
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic. An elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the vein to swell with blood. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding. In infants or young children:
The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. A bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any bleeding. Immunoelectrophoresis is a laboratory technique. It uses a combination of protein electrophoresis and an antigen-antibody interaction. Protein electrophoresis indicates immunoglobulins as a group. Immunoelectrophoresis enhances the ability to identify the specific immunoglobulins through the use of specific antibodies to the proteins of interest. How to prepare for the test:
Infants and children: The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:
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