Protein Electrophoresis by Immunofixation Blood Test Test
This test measures the types and amounts of proteins in your blood to help detect or monitor conditions like multiple myeloma, kidney disease, or liver disease.
What this test measures
An immunofixation (IFE) blood test measures the number and type of proteins in your blood. It separates proteins into subgroups (albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta, gamma) based on size, shape, and electrical charge.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
High levels of certain protein subgroups may indicate conditions such as dehydration (albumin), inflammatory diseases (alpha-1, alpha-2), high cholesterol or lymphoma (beta), or multiple myeloma and MGUS (gamma).
Lower-than-normal results
Low levels of certain protein subgroups may indicate conditions such as malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease (albumin), alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (alpha-1), malnutrition or red blood cell breakdown (alpha-2), malnutrition or autoimmune disorders (beta), or genetic immune disorders (gamma).
Frequently asked questions
What is an immunofixation blood test?
It measures the number and type of proteins in your blood to help detect or monitor certain health conditions.
What conditions can this test help diagnose?
It is most often used for multiple myeloma, but also helps with other cancers, kidney disease, liver disease, autoimmune diseases, and malnutrition.
What do the protein subgroups mean?
The subgroups are albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta, and gamma globulins. Each can be high or low in different conditions.
What does a high gamma globulin level mean?
High gamma globulin may be seen in multiple myeloma or monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS).
How are results interpreted?
Your provider will consider your symptoms, age, medical history, and other test results to understand what your protein levels mean.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Protein Electrophoresis by Immunofixation Blood Test — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.