Protein and immunofixation electrophoresis

Also known as: Serum protein electrophoresis; SPE; urine protein electrophoresis; UPE; immunoelectrophoresis; immunofixation electrophoresis; IFE

Formal name: Protein electrophoresis; immunofixation electrophoresis

Related tests: Albumin, total protein,

Major plasma proteins and their functions listed according to their electrophoretic group
group	protein	function
Prealbumin	Retinol binding protein	Transport for vitamin A
Prealbumin	Transthyretin	Binder for thyroid hormone
Albumin	Albumin	Main plasma protein; reduces tissue water accumulation, transports many substances
Alpha₁-globulin	Alpha₁-antitrypsin	Inactivates trypsin, other proteolytic enzymes, reduces damage from inflammation
	Orosomucoid	Immune response modifier, drug binder for acidic drugs such as lignocaine
	High density lipoprotein (HDL)	Reverse transport of cholesterol ('good' cholesterol)
Alpha₂-globulin	Alpha₂-macroglobulin	Binds to many enzymes preventing tissue damage
	Haptoglobin	Haemoglobin binding protein
	Caeruloplasmin	Copper binding protein, involved in normal iron metabolism
Beta globulin	Transferrin	Iron transport and delivery to cells
	Low density lipoprotein (LDL)	Cholesterol delivery to tissue
	Complement component 3	Helps regulate inflammatory response to foreign substances
	IgA	Immunoglobulin involved in secretions
	Fibrinogen	Coagulation factor (found only in plasma, not serum)
Gamma globulin	IgG	Major immunoglobulin; long term immunity
	IgM	Initial reponse immunoglobulin
	C-reactive protein	Inflammatory response mediator