[Appropriate use of laboratory tests – serum protein electrophoresis]
Gonthier K, Neveu B, Robitaille H
Record ID 32018015521
French
Original Title:
Utilisation judicieuse des analyses biomédicales ‒ Électrophorèse des protéines sériques
Authors' objectives:
Serum protein electrophoresis raises several issues concerning its relevance, particularly
because of the high proportion of inappropriate requests for this test. In Québec, a slight
decline in the use of serum protein electrophoresis has been observed in recent years.
The objective of this work is to develop a guidance sheet to support appropriate use, in
order to reduce the volume of procedures with low added value within Québec’s
healthcare system.
Authors' results and conclusions:
RESULTS (#1 SERUM PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS IS NOT INDICATED:): • in asymptomatic persons;
• as part of a routine workup (e.g., fatigue assessment or inflammatory workup). (#2 SERUM PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS SHOULD NOT BE REPEATED MORE FREQUENTLY THAN): every 3 months in untreated persons during follow-up for plasma cell dyscrasia (#3 SERUM PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS MAY BE INDICATED): • for the diagnosis or follow-up of plasma cell dyscrasia;
• in persons presenting with unexplained neuropathy (e.g., not attributable to
alcohol use nor diabetes). CONCLUSION: The guidance sheet that was developed aims to engage, guide, and support healthcare
professionals in promoting the appropriate use of serum protein electrophoresis. It may
thus contribute to reduce the annual number of test requests and associated costs and
workload, while also generating a positive environmental impact.
Authors' methods:
A review of the literature on the indications and recommendations related to serum
protein electrophoresis was conducted using INESSS’s rapid review methodology.
Healthcare professionals provided experiential and contextual knowledge specific to
Québec.
Details
Project Status:
Completed
Year Published:
2026
URL for published report:
https://www.inesss.qc.ca/fileadmin/doc/INESSS/Rapports/Biologie_medicale/AnBio_EPS_GN_INESSS.pdf
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Other
Country:
Canada
Province:
Quebec
MeSH Terms
- Diagnostic Tests, Routine
- Medical Overuse
- Blood Protein Electrophoresis
- Unnecessary Procedures
- Hematologic Tests
Contact
Organisation Name:
Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux
Contact Address:
L'Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux (INESSS) , 2021, avenue Union, bureau 10.083, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 2S9;Tel: 1+514-873-2563, Fax: 1+514-873-1369
Contact Name:
demande@inesss.qc.ca
Contact Email:
demande@inesss.qc.ca
Copyright:
L'Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux (INESSS)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.