Immunofixation Qualitative Urine Profile

The Immunofixation Qualitative Urine Profile, also known as urine protein electrophoresis, is a laboratory test that is used to detect and identify abnormal proteins in the urine. These proteins may be indicative of certain medical conditions such as multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow, or other forms of kidney disease. The test is performed by separating the proteins in the urine sample using a technique called electrophoresis, which separates the proteins by size and charge. The separated proteins are then identified using antibodies that bind to specific protein types, which produces a pattern called an immunofixation pattern. The test is considered qualitative because it only detects the presence or absence of certain proteins in the urine, rather than quantifying the amount present. The results of the test are typically reported as a pattern of bands that correspond to specific proteins.

Written By: Supriya Kulkarni, Lead-Content & Training

Reviewed By: Dr. Alap Christry M.D. AVP-Lab Operations & Scientific Business Head-Clinical Chemistry