Protein Electrophoresis, Serum
GENERAL INFORMATION
Test Name:
Protein Electrophoresis, Serum
PC/NPS Test Code:
SPEP
CPT Code(s):
84160, 84165, 84165.26
Methodology:
Capillary electrophoresis (for SPEP);
Refractometry (for total protein)
Days of Week Performed:
M, Tu, W, Th, F
Routine TAT:
1-2 days (excluding weekends and holidays)
COLLECTION AND HANDLING:
Collection Instructions:
Preferred specimen: Serum Separator Tube (SST)
Alternate specimens: Red top tube or serum
Patient preparation: Fasting (12 hrs) is preferred but not required
Minimum volumes: 0.7 mL serum
Special handling : Separate from cells (aliquot or centrifuge to position gel barrier between cells and serum) within 4 hours.
Specimen stability: 4 hrs ambient; 10 days refrigerated; 2 months frozen
Collection Containers:
Primary: Serum Separator Tube (SST)
Secondary: Red top tube
Specimen Transport Requirements:
Specimen needs to be refrigerated during transport
Specimen Labeling:
Label with at least 2 patient specific identifiers
Rejection Criteria:
Plasma (lavender, blue or yellow top tubes)
Grossly hemolyzed samples
Samples >10 days refrigerated
