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Protein Electrophoresis by Immunofixation Blood Test
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lab Tests

Protein Electrophoresis by Immunofixation Blood Test

The immunofixation (IFE) blood test measures the number and type of proteins in your blood to help diagnose and monitor conditions like cancer, kidney disease, and inflammatory disorders.

What is an immunofixation blood test?

This test measures the quantity and type of proteins in your blood. Proteins are essential for energy, muscle rebuilding, and immune function. The test uses a process called electrophoresis to separate proteins into subgroups based on size, shape, and electrical charge. The main subgroups are albumin and globulin (which includes alpha-1, alpha-2, beta, and gamma globulins).

What is it used for?

The test is used to check for or monitor conditions that affect protein levels, including:

  • Multiple myeloma: A cancer of plasma cells (the most common use for this test).
  • Other cancers, such as lymphoma or leukemia.
  • Kidney or liver disease.
  • Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.
  • Neurologic diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • Malnutrition or malabsorption.
  • Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS).

Why do I need an immunofixation blood test?

You may need this test if you have symptoms of conditions affecting protein levels or if other blood tests—such as albumin, total protein, calcium, or white/red blood cell counts—are abnormal. Symptoms of multiple myeloma may include bone pain, fatigue, anemia, frequent infections, or easy bruising. Symptoms of MS may include numbness, vision problems, or muscle weakness. Symptoms of malnutrition include weight loss, weakness, and diarrhea.

What happens during an immunofixation blood test?

A health care professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The process usually takes less than five minutes.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

There are no special preparations required for this test.

Are there any risks to an immunofixation blood test?

There is very little risk. You may experience slight pain or bruising at the needle site, but symptoms typically resolve quickly.

What do the results mean?

Results indicate whether protein levels are within the normal range or if specific proteins are too high or too low. Many factors can influence these levels, including:

  • Albumin: High levels may indicate dehydration; low levels may indicate liver or kidney disease, malnutrition, or severe burns.
  • Alpha-1: High levels may indicate inflammatory diseases or pregnancy; low levels may indicate liver disease or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
  • Alpha-2: High levels may indicate inflammatory diseases, kidney disease, or hyperthyroidism; low levels may indicate malnutrition or liver disease.
  • Beta: High levels may indicate high cholesterol or lymphoma; low levels may indicate malnutrition or autoimmune disorders.
  • Gamma: High levels may indicate multiple myeloma or MGUS; low levels may indicate genetic immune disorders.

Providers interpret these results alongside your symptoms, age, medical history, and other test findings. Note that vaccines and certain medicines can also affect your results.

Frequently Asked Questions

monoclonal (M) spike indicates the presence of a single clone of immunoglobulin‑producing cells. It can represent multiple myeloma, but it may also be a benign condition called MGUS. Diagnosis requires correlating the spike with clinical findings (bone lesions, anemia, hypercalcemia, renal dysfunction) and additional tests such as serum free‑light‑chain assay, skeletal survey, and bone marrow biopsy.
No fasting is required, and most medications do not interfere with protein separation. However, high‑dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or recent plasma exchange can transiently alter the protein pattern, so inform your lab if you have received these within the past 2 weeks.
Results are usually available within 3–5 business days. If an abnormal (monoclonal) band is detected, the next steps often include quantitative serum protein electrophoresis, serum free‑light‑chain ratio, urine immunofixation, and imaging (skeletal survey or low‑dose whole‑body CT) to assess for organ involvement.
Immunofixation identifies the presence of a monoclonal protein but cannot alone distinguish MGUS from myeloma. The distinction is based on the size of the M‑protein (<3 g/dL for MGUS), absence of end‑organ damage (CRAB criteria), and bone‑marrow plasma‑cell percentage (<10 %). If you have MGUS, you will need periodic monitoring—typically serum protein electrophoresis and free‑light‑chain testing every 6–12 months—to watch for progression.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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