An agarose gel electrophoresis first separates the proteins in a serum sample. Antiserum against the protein of interest is spread directly on the gel. The protein of interest precipitates in the gel matrix. The precipitated protein is stained after a wash step to remove other proteins. This qualitative method is used to identify proteins found in multiple myeloma.
The image shows the immunofixation electrophoresis gel from a serum sample analyzed on SPIFE 3000, Helena Laboratories. After electrophoresis, the precipitated proteins are stained with Acid Violet, a stain developed and used by Helena Laboratories.
The SP lane represents a routine serum protein electrophoresis of this specimen. Antiserum against IgG, IgA, and IgM were applied to the G, A, and M lanes on the following three protein separations. Antiserum to kappa light chain was added to the following protein separation, and antiserum to lambda light chain to the last protein separation.
