1. Protein Electrophoresis
By: Dr. Beenish Zaki

2. Introduction to Electrophoresis
Electrophoresis is a laboratory technique where the blood serum (is placed on agarose gel and exposed to an electrical current to separate the serum protein components.

3. Note the relative sizes and shapes of the globulin fractions.
Normal Pattern
                                     
                                                           
Note the relative sizes and shapes of the globulin fractions.

4. EQUIPMENT FOR ELECTROPHORESIS

5. ELECTROPHORETIC PACK

6. POWER PACK

7. AGAROSE GEL

8. Micropipette and Applicator

9. DRYER

10. INTERPRETATION OF ELECTROPHORESIS

11. Cirrhotic Pattern
In the cirrhotic pattern, the distinction between beta and gamma globulin is blurred and is sometimes referred to as the "beta-gamma bridge" pattern.

12. Monoclonal (M) Protein Present
Serum shows the M protein was IgG kappa.
The patient was a 72 year old male who presented with lower back pain. Quantitative immunoglobulin measurements showed a large increase in serum IgG, but decreased IgA and IgM. Bone marrow exam revealed a large increase in plasma cells that were frequently aggregated