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Protein Electrophoresis Testing for Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that afflicts millions of people around the world. In fact, this is the most common type of blood cancer. Leukemia affects mostly children, but it is also known to occur in adults. Having an understanding of the disease and the way it is diagnosed may help you or your loved ones catch it early.

  1. Leukemia

    • In leukemia, the white blood cells lack necessary proteins and cannot provide immunity to the body. Such WBCs are called leukemia cells. As a result of this, the WBC count of the body increases while the immunity of the body decreases. The direct result of high number of leukemia cells is the reduction in platelet number and reduced RBC count as well. A dearth of platelets hampers repair processes in the body. It may ultimately lead to organ failure and death if there is delay in diagnosis and treatment.

    Electrophoresis as a Means of Detection

    • Protein electrophoresis is done only after all other tests indicate leukemia. These tests include a Complete Blood Count, or CBC, where an unusually high WBC count along with a low platelet count shows signs of leukemia. This test, followed by a bone marrow autopsy, will confirm leukemia. Protein electrophoresis is done to narrow down the exact cause behind leukemia, that is, to find out which protein in the WBC is missing and causing the condition.

    What Is Protein Electrophoresis Test

    • In case of leukemia, blood serum is tested for the levels of various proteins. The first step in electrophoresis is the segregation and isolation of various proteins found in the sample serum. A total of six groups are produced through this process, namely albumin, alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 1, beta 2 and gamma. Based on the levels of each of these proteins, the test can show of the exact type of leukemia and therefore aid in the process of chemotherapy.

    Is Electrophoresis Necessary?

    • Protein electrophoresis is a test that measures and quantifies the level of various proteins in the test sample, which can be blood serum or urine. Although various other tests initially conducted are enough to indicate leukemia and confirm it, electrophoresis is only done after traditional treatments fail to better the condition of the patient. Protein electrophoresis is done when it becomes important to understand exactly which proteins are lacking in the blood serum so as to pin down the precise problem.

    Symptoms and Treatment of Leukemia

    • The symptoms of leukemia vary from person to person. However, some common symptoms include regular weakness, frequent fevers and infections, night sweats and headaches. Easy bruising and becoming prone to injuries are two symptoms that usually indicate leukemia. A treatment includes chemotherapy and radiation therapy for normal leukemia and bone marrow transplant for acute leukemia. The type of treatment is also suggested through a protein electrophoresis test.

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