Dear Mrs.D,

In one of your links about neurosarcoidosis, it says that one of the workups is Serum protein immune electrophoresis. My questions are:

1. Is this test the same as Serum protein electrophoresis?
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1147324-workup

2. Is ACE the first protocol for Sarcoidosis diagnosis?

I was just wondering if, assuming, Serum protein immune electrophoresis and serum protein electrophoresis are the same, and it was mentioned that it is one of the diagnosis for sarcoid, is it safe to assume Mrs.D that a normal serum protein electrophorisis could mean without sarcoid?

Thank you so much Mrs.D

I believe the ACE test is done first. It is blood work, and easy to do.

When that comes back elevated, I believe they move on to other tests. (the doctor decides).

I am not a test expert, but I do think electrophoresis is for separating out protein mixtures so they can be individually identified. This test is more complex and hence more expensive. The molecules separate out by weight (hence size) when the current is applied to the solution mixture.

I just asked because I had Serum Protein Electrophoresis and came back unremarkable (which is good!). I was hoping this rules out sarcoid - which is what I am really really hoping for.

Thank you Mrs.D

I think Glenntaj is the one to comment really on this.

The electrophoresis is showing OTHER things besides ACE for
differential diagnosis.

But having the ACE elevated is necessary for other reasons of diagnosis.