LatticeMLS
Menu
Module overview
Section 2 of 6 · Open sections

Required section · Section 2 of 6

Read zones as shared migration neighborhoods

SPEP separates serum proteins by charge and size into albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta, and gamma zones. These zones are migration neighborhoods, not single purified proteins. Albumin is normally the dominant band and largest fraction.

The gamma zone is dominated by immunoglobulins. A broad diffuse gamma rise is a polyclonal pattern, while a narrow sharply bordered peak is a restricted feature that needs characterization. Beta and gamma can overlap, so location alone is not enough.

Use the trace shape and the paired gel lane to label fractions before attaching meaning. Describe width and border before calling a pattern restricted or polyclonal.

Illustrative drawing — this picture was drawn rather than captured.

Illustrated normal gel lane and densitogram show albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta, and gamma migration zones; gamma is a broad low hump and albumin the tallest peak.
Figure 1Normal SPEP fraction map pairing a gel lane with a densitogram trace.

Reusable first-pass reading sequence for a serum trace.

  1. Verify the specimen

    Confirm properly clotted serum and review hemolysis or collection concerns.

  2. Label the zones

    Locate albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta, and gamma before interpreting shape.

  3. Describe the pattern

    Record broadness, border, distribution, and beta-gamma continuity.

  4. Select follow-up

    Use specimen review and local protocol to repeat, perform IFE, or correlate sFLC.

Knowledge checks

Reading and checks are open. Sign in only to save.

Knowledge check 1

Select the statements that correctly describe SPEP zones.

Choose at least 2 options.

Section status

Finish this section

Reading and checks are open. Sign in only to save.

The module finishes after every required section is marked done and every check in those sections is correct.