They have a number of roles: Too much or too little protein can cause problems. Beta1 is composed mostly of transferrin, and beta2 contains beta-lipoprotein. Albumin, the largest peak, lies closest to the positive electrode. Proteins play many important roles, including providing energy for the body, rebuilding muscles, and supporting the immune system. How to get clearer test results on monoclonal antibodies The output of monoclonal protein can vary from patient to patient. How is a serum sample collected for an immunofixation test? Affected patients have no M protein in their urine, no lytic bone lesions, no anemia, no hypercalcemia, and no renal disease. Some people experience mild pain when the needle is inserted. Cawley LP, Minard BJ, Tourtellotte WW, et al. Surveillance for multiple myeloma in patients with MGUS and favorable prognostic factors (ie, low levels of monoclonal protein and IgG type) should include monitoring at 6 months and then every 2-3 years thereafter. In zone electrophoresis, for example, different protein subtypes are placed in separate physical locations on a gel made from agar, cellulose, or other plant material.2,3 The proteins are stained, and their densities are calculated electronically to provide graphical data on the absolute and relative amounts of the various proteins. If the serum M-protein spike is 1.5 to 2.5 g per dL, it is important to perform nephelometry to quantify the immunoglobulins present and to obtain a 24-hour urine collection for electrophoresis and immunofixation. [20]. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. A decreased alpha1-protein band may occur because of alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency or decreased production of the globulin as a result of liver disease. Protein electrophoresis immunofixation electrophoresis. A person viewing it online may make one printout of the material and may use that printout only for his or her personal, non-commercial reference. It may also depend on the unique patterns made by the proteins. [ 1] Serum or urine immunofixation negative for a monoclonal protein or a polyclonal pattern is. No sponsor or advertiser has participated in, approved or paid for the content provided by Decision Support in Medicine LLC. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) (adult). Eric B Staros, MD Associate Professor of Pathology, St Louis University School of Medicine; Director of Clinical Laboratories, Director of Cytopathology, Department of Pathology, St Louis University Hospital Immunofixation "fixes" certain proteins into place with antibodies and then washes away the others before staining them.