Urine protein electrophoresis
(UPEP)

The urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) test is used to estimate how much of certain proteins are in the urine.

Sample Type:

Urine

Uses:

• to help determine the cause of protein in the urine.

• Or it may be done as a screening test to measure the various amounts of different types of proteins in urine.

• UPEP detects 2 types of protein: albumin and globulins.

Precautions:

stop taking certain medicines that could interfere with the test. Medicines that can affect test results include:

• Chlorpromazine

• Corticosteroids

• Isoniazid

• Neomycin

• Phenacemide

• Salicylates

• Sulfonamides

• Tolbutamide

Do not stop taking any medicine without first talking to your provider.

Interfering Factors:

• Increased levels of certain proteins can indicate:

• Kidney disorder and inability to filter proteins out of blood

• Infection

• Decreased levels of urine proteins are rarely of any clinical concern

Pre-Analytical errors:

• Error in the sample

• The electrophoretic system

• The electric field

• Temperature of the system, pH of the ions

• Concentration of buffer.

Corrective Action:

• Correctly adjust all system component, including:

(Electricity, PH, temperature and buffer)

Post analytical errors:

• Incorrect reference values

• Physician not notified of a panic or critical value

• Incorrect interpretation of lab results by physician

• Incorrect data entry of lab result

Reference Range:

A descriptive report is prepared by the pathologist.