[Idiopathic PN]

I was tested for Serum Protein Electrophoresis in June 2011. The result was normal.

May I ask, can this "normal result" be still true on or after the onset of my PN symptoms? My symptoms started October 2011. I am not sure if I make sense...what I am trying to ask is do I need another Serum Protein Electrophoresis test now or my test last june 2011 still okay? My neuro believes that one test, regardless of when it was taken, is enough.

Thank you.

[mrsD]

Looking for long chain antibodies/proteins, which come from the bone marrow. If negative, meaning low titres, I don't think you need retesting often. It takes years to develop this problem if it is going to happen.

These long chain (large) proteins clog the blood up and affect circulation and hence the nerves in the periphery.

[glenntaj]

--the much more detailed and specific test fro this is an immunofixation electrophoresis of serum and urine.

In fact, Dr. Latov's clinical application paper for Quest Diagnostics (which we have posted in the Useful Websites section here) indicates it is the preferred test, as a small spike may be obscured in a serum protein electrophoresis.

The immunofixation electrophoresis is normally done with an enumeration of classes of immunoglobulins simply to see their numerical levels, as well as a breakdown of types. What is looked for are monoclonal antibodies or M-proteins, which can be associated with neuropathy and a whole host of other conditions, most notably blood disorders.