Urine Electrophoresis / Immunofixation
Description:
Electrophoretic separation of proteins in urine allows for the classification of proteinuria based on glomerular and tubular function. It also enables the identification of abnormal proteins such as monoclonal paraproteins / Bence Jones proteins as seen in multiple myeloma. Immunofixation will be performed automatically by the laboratory to confirm and characterise monoclonal paraproteins.
Clinical details:
Increased protein excretion will mainly occur when there is a change in the filtered load due to an increase in glomerular permeability (glomerular proteinuria) and an increase in the plasma concentration of protein (overload proteinuria). Proteinuria will also result from a decrease in the tubular absorption of normally absorbed proteins (tubular proteinuria) and an increase in protein secretion or non-specific addition of protein to the fluid in the urinary tract (post-renal proteinuria).
Reference range:
Interpretative comments used. No numerical value reported.
Department:
Location:
Sample type and Volume required:
25 mL fresh, early morning urine.
Turnaround time:
1 week for electrophoresis. 10 days for immunofixation.
Special sample instructions:
Samples must be collected into a plain universal container.
Storage and transport:
Store samples at 2-6°C, and send at ambient temperature via first class post.
Contacts:
Diagnostic Immunology and Allergy Department at King's College Hospital
General Enquiry : 020 3299 8752 / 020 3299 1171
King's College Hospital
Bessemer Wing - 1st Floor
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RS
Bessemer Wing - 1st Floor
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RS
Last updated: 21/04/2026
