The SPEP blood test is ordered when a total measurement of blood proteins is required. There are specific proteins that can be within the blood that indicate the presence of a possible serious disease. These proteins also have a specific charge to them, both positive and negative, which will affect how they move when observed. This blood test helps to congregate the proteins into groups so that a doctor can properly diagnose symptoms that are being felt.
Why Is the SPEP Blood Test Ordered?
The presence of a serious disease can sometimes have nonspecific symptoms that are difficult to track down. Someone who is suffering from an overdose of caffeine may experience the same symptoms as someone who is suffering from the initial stages of certain cancers. The SPEP blood test is one of the diagnostic tools that is used to help determine the cause behind the symptoms being experienced.
Problems with the immune system may also be discovered through the results of this blood test. Although myeloma and multiple myeloma can be detected, so can problems with the kidneys or the liver.
There will be 5 proteins measured with the SPEP blood test: albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta, and gamma. Each protein has a normal range that will be measured. Because this blood test is more extensive than others, results may take up to 72 hours. Your doctor will likely schedule a follow-up consultation with you to discuss the results, even if all the proteins are within the normal range.
Is There Any Fasting or Lifestyle Changes Required?
This blood test can be taken the same day it is ordered. Certain individuals may be asked to change their medications or lifestyle habits so that the SPEP blood test has accurate results. People who take statins, insulin, or birth controls may have abnormal test results for the general population, but not have abnormal results because of their health.
Women who are pregnant will also have abnormal results when compared to the rest of the general population. If the SPEP blood test comes back as abnormal, then a pregnancy test may be ordered even if being pregnant is not something that is suspected.
What Do the SPEP Test Results Mean?
The protein values that are discovered in the SPEP blood test can either have high or low results as an abnormal test. Each is an indication that there may be something that needs to be addressed. Here are the most common causes of a high abnormal results on this test.
1. Too much caffeine being consumed on a daily basis.
2. The presence of an infection or an inflammatory condition.
3. Poor dietary choices that have created low iron levels or high cholesterol levels.
4. The presence of a serious liver disease, kidney disease, or certain cancers.
People who drink 2-3 cups of coffee every day may have a high abnormal test result.
If the SPEP blood test has come back with results that are considered abnormally low, then here are the most common causes of that result.
1. There is not enough nutritional value in the foods that are being consumed daily.
2. There may be an immune system issue that needs to be addressed.
3. The presence of a serious liver or kidney disease.
4. Inadequate thyroid production.
If your SPEP blood test comes back with an abnormal result, then it is important to discuss that result with your treatment team. Because laboratory normal values can vary from site to site, some patients may also wish to have a second test completed at an independent facility to determine if the results can be duplicated.
What Are the Options of an Abnormal SPEP Blood Test?
For most patients that have an abnormal SPEP blood test, simple lifestyle changes can cause the symptoms being experienced to withdrawal. Limited caffeine intake, changing medications, or eating healthier foods on a regular basis can help the protein levels return to normal.
When there is a presence of a serious disease that requires ongoing medication management, then the SPEP test is generally ordered at periodic times throughout the year to track the effectiveness of the medication. For women who are pregnant, the test results will usually return to normal after the birth of the child.
Having any abnormal test result can be difficult news. With the SPEP blood test, many of the conditions that create abnormal results can be easily treated. Speak with your doctor about what your specific test results mean so that your health needs can be appropriately addressed.