Protein Electrophoresis Fraction Calculation Guide
What the Fractions Mean
Protein electrophoresis separates serum proteins into visible bands. The main fractions are albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta, and gamma. Each band represents a share of the total protein pattern. The share may come from densitometer area, entered percent, or direct fraction concentration.
Why Total Protein Matters
A fraction result becomes more useful when it is tied to total protein. The calculator multiplies each percent by total protein. This gives a concentration for each band. It also sums non albumin fractions to estimate globulin. Then it divides albumin by globulin to estimate the A/G ratio.
Chemistry Review
Small changes in fraction values may point to useful chemistry clues. Low albumin can appear with poor synthesis, loss, or dilution. A high alpha-1 or alpha-2 region can follow acute phase activity. A broad gamma rise may suggest polyclonal immunoglobulin increase. A narrow gamma peak may need clinical review.
Input Options
The tool supports area, percent, and concentration input modes. Area mode is useful after gel or capillary densitometry. Percent mode works when the instrument already gives fraction percentages. Concentration mode fits reports that already list fraction amounts. A correction factor helps with dilution or concentration steps.
Reference Limits
Reference limits are included beside each fraction. You can edit them for your laboratory method. The calculator flags low, normal, and high results. These flags are screening aids only. They do not diagnose disease. Always compare results with clinical notes, specimen quality, and laboratory policy.
Exported Reports
Exports help save the calculation. The CSV file is useful for spreadsheets. The PDF file is useful for a simple report. The example table shows typical sample entries. Use it to test the page before adding real data.
Good Entry Practice
For best practice, check the total area first. Remove obvious entry errors. Use the same unit for total protein and reference limits. Enter zero only for a missing band. Review the A/G ratio with the fraction chart. A clear calculation makes the electrophoresis profile easier to discuss.
Quality Notes
Quality review matters. Hemolysis, lipemia, fibrinogen, and poor baseline selection can distort a trace. Repeat questionable entries before reporting. Keep patient identity outside this calculator when privacy rules apply. The numbers should support trained judgment, not replace it. When results look unusual, confirm them with the official laboratory information system and current approved quality control records.