Protein Electrophoresis Serum Test
Short Name: 24-Hour Urine Protein Electrophoresis
Also known as: Urine Protein Electrophoresis, UPEP 24-Hour Urine, 24-Hour Urine Protein Electrophoresis
Protein Electrophoresis Serum Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹5,500. Uses Agarose Gel Electrophoresis on 24-hour urine samples. Results in Samples accepted daily by 9 am; reports are generated within 4 days.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Ramarao Paidisetty
Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The purpose of this test is to detect and categorise proteins lost in urine, helping to assess glomerular or tubular proteinuria and to detect monoclonal gammopathy. It is used to evaluate proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome, and possible monoclonal light chain disease.
- Test Code
- 3574
- Price
- ₹5,500
- Sample Type
- 24-hour urine
- Result Time
- Samples accepted daily by 9 am; reports are generated within 4 days.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
Sample Collection
No special preparation is required. Inform your doctor about all current medicines and any acute illness.
Method: 24-hour urine collection; record total volume; refrigerate or freeze for transport
Laboratory Analysis
Collect all urine over a 24-hour period into the provided container. Do not use preservatives. Keep the container refrigerated during collection.
Report Delivery
Record the total urine volume on the request form and container. Return the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible.
Timeline: Samples accepted daily by 9 am; reports are generated within 4 days.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of this test is to detect and categorise proteins lost in urine, helping to assess glomerular or tubular proteinuria and to detect monoclonal gammopathy. It is used to evaluate proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome, and possible monoclonal light chain disease.
How to Prepare
- No special preparation required before this test.
- Begin by emptying the bladder into the toilet first thing in the morning; note the time.
- Collect every urine stream over the next 24 hours into the provided container.
- Do not use preservatives.
- Record the total urine volume on the test request form and the urine container.
- Ship the sample refrigerated or frozen according to the laboratory instructions.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Ramarao Paidisetty — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504
"Urine protein electrophoresis is a useful test when proteinuria is suspected or monoclonal gammopathy is being evaluated. The pattern of protein loss, along with serum creatinine, albumin and protein electrophoresis, helps clarify whether the cause is glomerular, tubular or related to a plasma cell disorder."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Missing total urine volume
- Unlabeled or mismatched container and request form
- Urine collected with preservatives
- Sample received at room temperature after more than 2 hours
- Insufficient sample volume for the aliquot
Understanding Your Results
No monoclonal protein detected in urine; this is considered a normal electrophoretic finding.
May indicate monoclonal gammopathy; additional tests such as immunofixation and serum studies are needed.
Suggests glomerular proteinuria; clinical correlation and further kidney function tests are required.
Consult a doctor if you notice persistent foamy urine, unexplained swelling, dark urine, or fatigue. If a monoclonal band is detected in the urine, your doctor may refer you to a nephrologist or haematologist for further evaluation.
Limitations
- ⚠This test does not include immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE).
- ⚠It cannot identify the exact type of monoclonal protein without additional studies.
- ⚠Results should be interpreted with clinical history, renal function tests, serum protein electrophoresis, and other investigations.
- ⚠Poor 24-hour collection may affect the accuracy of the result.
Risks & Considerations
- ●This is a non-invasive urine test with no significant risks.
- ●The main risk is an incorrect 24-hour collection, which may require a repeat test.
Interfering Factors
- ●Incomplete or incorrect 24-hour urine collection
- ●Missing total urine volume on the container or request form
- ●Contamination of urine sample
- ●Presence of blood in the urine
- ●Leaving urine at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- ●Recent intense exercise, fever, or contrast agent exposure
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Protein Electrophoresis Serum Test | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Protein Electrophoresis Serum Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
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