electrophoresis
Meaning of electrophoresis: Electrophoresis separates charged molecules such as proteins or DNA using an electric current, a technique behind tests like serum protein and hemoglobin analysis.
Definition of electrophoresis
Electrophoresis is a laboratory technique that uses an electric current to separate molecules, such as proteins or nucleic acids, based on their size and electrical charge. A sample is placed at one end of a gel like medium, and as an electric field is applied, molecules migrate through the gel at different rates depending on these properties, spreading them into distinct, identifiable bands.
Serum protein electrophoresis separates the different proteins circulating in blood and is used to detect abnormal patterns, such as the presence of an abnormal monoclonal protein associated with conditions like MGUS or multiple myeloma. Hemoglobin electrophoresis separates different forms of hemoglobin and is used to identify conditions such as sickle cell trait or disease and certain forms of thalassemia.
Because electrophoresis separates molecules according to their physical and chemical properties rather than identifying them directly, the resulting pattern is generally interpreted together with other clinical and laboratory information to reach a specific diagnosis.
Used in a sentence
Serum protein electrophoresis was ordered after routine blood work suggested an abnormal protein pattern.
Good to know
Electrophoresis separates molecules by their physical properties rather than naming them directly, so the resulting band pattern is interpreted alongside other clinical information to reach a specific diagnosis.
Word origin
Where “electrophoresis” comes from
Formed from Greek elektron, meaning amber, the source of the word electric, and phoresis, from pherein, meaning to carry.