Indicazioni per la richiesta di elettroforesi sieroproteica

Reasons for requesting serum protein electrophoresis. This document systematically analyses the indications for requesting a serum protein electrophoresis. Six possible items are evaluated: 1. Measurement of serum albumin con- centrations: while electrophoresis identifies the albumin, its direct measurement is preferred. 2. Identification of α-1- antitrypsin deficiency: electrophoresis can exclude the deficiency, but an immunochemical measurement is needed for confirmation, thus electrophoresis being not indicated for this specific diagnostic problem. 3. Diagnosis/monitoring of inflammation: electrophoresis is able to identify some acute phase proteins, but its accuracy is insufficient for dia- gnosis and monitoring of this condition. 4 Diagnosis/monitoring of hypo/hypergammaglobulinemia: electrophoresis can be used for monitoring variations in IgG concentrations, but their direct quantitative measurement is preferable. 5. Identification of monoclonal components: electrophoresis is the technique of choice. 6. Monitoring of monoclonal components: electrophoresis is able to quantify the components and it is useful for a regular monitoring.