Serum Lipoprotein Electrophoresis Test

What is Serum Lipoprotein Electrophoresis?

• Definition: A laboratory test that separates and identifies different lipoproteins in the blood based on their size, density, and electrical charge.
• Purpose: Helps detect abnormal lipoprotein patterns that may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease or indicate metabolic disorders.

Lipoproteins are molecules that carry cholesterol and triglycerides through the bloodstream. The main types are:

1. Chylomicrons – carry dietary triglycerides.
2. Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) – carries triglycerides from the liver.
3. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) – “bad cholesterol,” contributes to plaque formation.
4. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) – “good cholesterol,” removes excess cholesterol.

Purpose of Serum Lipoprotein Electrophoresis Test

The test is used to:

• Detect abnormal lipoprotein levels or patterns that may not be obvious in a standard lipid panel.
• Diagnose rare inherited lipid disorders (e.g., familial hypercholesterolemia, dysbetalipoproteinemia).
• Evaluate risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
• Monitor treatment effectiveness in lipid disorders.

How the Test is Performed

1. Sample Collection:
   • Blood is drawn from a vein, usually after 12 hours of fasting to avoid interference from recent meals.
2. Separation Process:
   • The serum is applied to a medium (usually agarose gel or cellulose acetate).
   • An electric current moves lipoproteins through the medium at different rates.
   • Lipoproteins separate into bands that can be visualized and quantified.
3. Result Reporting:
   • Patterns show the relative amounts of chylomicrons, VLDL, LDL, and HDL.
   • Abnormal bands or densities indicate lipid metabolism disorders.

Interpretation

Pattern / Abnormality	Possible Clinical Significance
Increased LDL	High risk of atherosclerosis, familial hypercholesterolemia
Increased VLDL / triglycerides	Hypertriglyceridemia, risk of pancreatitis
Increased chylomicrons	Type I hyperlipoproteinemia (rare genetic disorder)
Abnormal β or pre-β bands	Dysbetalipoproteinemia (type III), mixed hyperlipidemia
Low HDL	Increased cardiovascular risk

Why Serum Lipoprotein Electrophoresis Test is Ordered

• When standard lipid tests are inconclusive: Sometimes total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides don’t fully explain a patient’s risk.
• Suspected inherited lipid disorders: Especially in young patients with premature cardiovascular disease or family history.
• Unexplained high triglycerides or cholesterol not responding to treatment.
• Research or specialized monitoring: Sometimes used to guide therapy in complex cases.

Key Points of Serum Lipoprotein Electrophoresis test

• Serum Lipoprotein Electrophoresis is more detailed than a routine lipid panel.
• It helps identify rare or complex lipid disorders.
• It is usually ordered by specialists (cardiologists, endocrinologists, or lipidologists).