Protein electrophoresis is commonly ordered for patients with suspected or known plasma cell disorders. Pathologists may sometimes be unsure of the sequence in which tests should be ordered when evaluating for a plasma cell neoplasm, and it’s important to understand the utility and the limitations of each test, and its unique role in arriving at an accurate conclusion.

In this CAPcast, Dr. Diana Desai provides an overview of protein electrophoresis and some challenges that pathologists should be aware of when ordering these tests. Dr. Desai developed a course on this topic as part of the CAP’s Clinical Laboratory Improvement Program, or CPIP (https://capatholo.gy/32LNx80).