Are immunoglobulins tests and SPEP the same thing?
No, a quantitative immunoglobulins test and SPEP (serum protein electrophoresis) are different tests that measure different things, though they're often used together.
SPEP measures the overall amount of M protein in your blood and shows changes in levels of both M Show Full Answer
Are immunoglobulins tests and SPEP the same thing?
No, a quantitative immunoglobulins test and SPEP (serum protein electrophoresis) are different tests that measure different things, though they're often used together.
SPEP measures the overall amount of M protein in your blood and shows changes in levels of both M protein and other normal proteins. However, it doesn't tell you what type of M protein you have.
A quantitative immunoglobulins test is more specific. It determines the type of M protein in your blood and can measure levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM. This test shows the level of both normal and abnormal versions of each type of immunoglobulin.
These tests complement each other. SPEP gives the big picture of protein levels, while the immunoglobulins test provides detailed information about specific antibody types. Some doctors prefer using quantitative immunoglobulins testing to track disease over time, especially for people with IgA myeloma, since it can be easier to measure protein levels accurately with this test.
December 23, 2025
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