What does it mean when your protein is abnormal?
A high total protein level could indicate dehydration or a certain type of cancer, such as multiple myeloma, that causes protein to accumulate abnormally. If the result of a total protein test is abnormal, further tests will be needed to identify which proteins are too high or too low.
What does a protein electrophoresis test show?
Protein electrophoresis is used to identify and measure the presence of abnormal proteins, the absence of normal proteins, and/or to detect various protein electrophoresis patterns associated with certain conditions, as found in blood, urine or other body fluids.
How do you test for protein abnormalities?
Protein electrophoresis is a test that measures specific proteins in the blood. The test separates proteins in the blood based on their electrical charge. The protein electrophoresis test is often used to find abnormal substances called M proteins.
What is considered a high M protein level?
High levels mean the disease is more advanced and may indicate a poor prognosis. The presence of any M spike is abnormal and shows the presence of an abnormal clone of plasma cells. If the amount of protein is ≥30 g/L and/or there are other disease symptoms, the patient may have myeloma.
What can cause abnormal plasma protein test results?
1 Long-standing liver disease including advanced cirrhosis 2 Severe malnutrition (which may accompany alcohol-related liver disease) 3 Conditions involving protein malabsorption, such as Crohn’s disease
What kind of test is done to test for protein in urine?
Urine analysis is commonly called urinalysis. The most routine type of urinalysis involves a dipstick test in which an indicator stick is dipped into the urine. Urinalysis typically involves testing the urine for protein. According to the National Kidney Foundation, the presence of protein in urine is abnormal and is a red flag for kidney disease2.
How are protein components measured in a blood test?
Thus, the serum (blood) protein components test measures the total protein, as well as its albumin and globulin components in the blood. The protein components test is used to diagnose diseases that either affect proteins as a whole, or that involve a single type of protein.
When to see a doctor for high protein levels in urine?
If levels of urine protein are abnormally high, doctors usually order that the test be repeated. If subsequent tests are also abnormal, a referral to a nephrologist usually occurs. Abnormal levels of red blood cells in the urine also raise the possibility of kidney disease.
What are the results of a blood protein test?
The blood test results often include total protein levels, albumin level and the ratio of albumin to globulins. An abnormal level of blood proteins may require further follow-up testing like protein electrophoresis and quantitative immunoglobulins. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
What is the purpose of the protein components test?
The protein components test is used to diagnose diseases that either affect proteins as a whole, or that involve a single type of protein.
What causes high protein levels in the blood?
Possible causes of high blood protein include: Amyloidosis (buildup of abnormal proteins in your organs) Dehydration. Hepatitis B. Hepatitis C. HIV/AIDS. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
What does it mean when you have protein in your urine?
Protein in the urine may be a sign of kidney disease. Small amounts of albumin may be found in the urine when kidney dysfunction begins to develop. A different test called a urine albumin test detects and measures small amounts of albumin in the urine.