A Comprehensive Approach towards Serum Protein Electrophoresis Reporting with Relative Percentage and Gram as Addendum

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Standardization for reporting serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) like many other specialized investigations is now a global issue with respect to many varied validated, methodologies, and different styles of reporting. Specific criteria or recommendations are needed which address, the changes in the variations in serum protein, albumin, globulin levels with respect to the wide reference range of these fractions expressed in g/dL. Hence, this study intends to evaluate the interpretation and significance of the reporting pattern of SPE by cellulose acetate method in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A total of 470 cases requested for SPE by cellulose acetate method in College Lab, Department of Biochemistry, St. John's Medical College and Hospital were included in the study. Results: A significant association was observed between all the protein fractions and total protein (P < 0.001), though alpha 1 globulins does not. Also, observed that individual protein fractions showed correlation with gram and percentage expressions (r > 0.75). The majority of relative increase in protein fraction by percentage was observed for alpha 2 globulins (P < 0.05). However, relative decrease by percentage was seen only in albumin. Conclusion: It was seen that the SPE reporting could be enhanced with further information such as relative percentage to individualize the report and a note on the methodology to add specific information. Further studies are required to include general interpretive commenting, keeping in mind relative percentage, and small paraprotein bands.