High-resolution electrophoresis (HRE) is routine electrophoresis using a high voltage. Serum samples separated with HRE may yield approximately fifteen distinct protein bands. Other HRE applications separate CSF proteins to diagnose multiple sclerosis and light chains in urine to detect early lymphoproliferative disorders such as multiple myeloma. These specimen separations require more protein resolution than routine protein electrophoresis can provide.
Increasing the voltage generates more heat. HRE instrumentation includes a cooling system to prevent the denaturation of proteins and the drying out of gels and other system components.
