Test Code EPU Electrophoresis, Protein, 24 Hour, Urine
Shipping Instructions
Refrigerate specimen during collection and send refrigerated.
Necessary Information
24-Hour volume is required.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T465)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic, 60-mL urine bottle and plastic, 5-mL tube
Specimen Volume: 50 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect urine for 24 hours.
2. Aliquot specimen between containers.
3. Label specimens appropriately (60-mL bottle for protein electrophoresis and 5-mL tube for protein, total).
Additional Information: See Urine Preservatives-Collection and Transportation for 24-Hour Urine Specimens in Special Instructions for multiple collections.
Useful For
Monitoring patients with monoclonal gammopathies
Profile Information
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
PTU | Protein, Total, U | Yes | Yes |
PEU | Protein Electrophoresis, U | No | Yes |
Reflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
IFXU | Immunofixation, U | No | No |
Testing Algorithm
Urine protein electrophoresis alone is not considered an adequate screening for monoclonal gammopathies.
If a discrete electrophoresis band is identified, the laboratory will evaluate the urine protein electrophoresis and, if necessary, perform immunofixation at an additional charge.
The following algorithms are available in Special Instructions:
-Laboratory Approach to the Diagnosis of Amyloidosis
-Laboratory Screening Tests for Suspected Multiple Myeloma
Special Instructions
Method Name
PTU: Turbidimetry
PEU: Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
IFXU: Immunofixation
Reporting Name
Electrophoresis, Protein, USpecimen Type
UrineSpecimen Minimum Volume
25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Urine | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
Frozen | 5 days | |
Ambient | 72 hours |
Reference Values
PROTEIN, TOTAL
<229 mg/24 hours
Reference values have not been established for patients <18 years of age.
Reference value applies to 24-hour collection.
ELECTROPHORESIS, PROTEIN
The following fractions, if present, will be reported as a percent of the protein, total:
Albumin
Alpha-1-globulin
Alpha-2-globulin
Beta-globulin
Gamma-globulin
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Protein, total: Monday through Sunday; Continuously
Electrophoresis, protein: Monday through Saturday; 12 p.m.
Performing Laboratory

Test Classification
This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
84156
84166
86335-Immunofixation (if appropriate)
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
EPU | Electrophoresis, Protein, U | In Process |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
2776 | Albumin | 13986-5 |
TP2 | Total Protein | 2889-4 |
TM23 | Collection Duration | 13362-9 |
2777 | Alpha 1-Globulin | 13984-0 |
2779 | Alpha 2-Globulin | 13987-3 |
VL21 | Urine Volume | 19153-6 |
CONC1 | Concentration | 35663-4 |
2780 | Beta-Globulin | 13988-1 |
2781 | Gamma-Globulin | 13989-9 |
2833 | A/G Ratio | 44294-7 |
21446 | M spike | 42482-0 |
22307 | M spike | 42482-0 |
21447 | Impression | 32210-7 |