Question 1

What's this test for?

Accepted Answer

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained chronic fatigue, recurring infections, or persistent symptoms that haven't been diagnosed. It helps identify abnormal protein levels in your blood that could indicate immune system disorders, chronic inflammation, or other underlying health conditions. Many people use this test when they've been feeling unwell for a while but standard tests haven't revealed the cause.

Question 2

What happens after I get my results?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your protein levels mean and whether any abnormal patterns were detected. These notes include personalized recommendations on what the findings suggest, whether additional testing may be helpful, and lifestyle factors that support immune health. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your protein levels over time using our trends feature if you need to monitor changes or treatment progress.

Question 3

What's included in this test?

Accepted Answer

This test measures Protein Electrophoresis with Total Protein and includes reflex to Immunofixation Electrophoresis (IFE) if abnormalities are detected. This test separates your blood proteins into six distinct fractions: albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta-1, beta-2, and gamma globulins. Each protein fraction provides clues about different aspects of your health, including liver function, immune system activity, inflammation levels, and potential abnormal protein production. Together, these measurements help identify protein imbalances that could explain chronic symptoms or reveal conditions that need further investigation.

Question 4

How should I prepare for this test?

Accepted Answer

Overnight fasting is preferred for this test, which means avoiding food and drinks except water for 8-12 hours before your blood draw. You can typically schedule your appointment for the morning so you fast while you sleep. Continue taking your regular medications unless your doctor advises otherwise, and stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Question 5

Who should consider getting this test?

Accepted Answer

This test is especially useful for people with unexplained chronic fatigue, frequent infections, persistent inflammation, or unexplained weight loss. It's also important for those being evaluated for immune system disorders, blood protein abnormalities, or conditions affecting the liver or kidneys. Your doctor might recommend it if you have symptoms suggesting an underlying condition that hasn't been identified through routine testing.

Question 6

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Accepted Answer

Common symptoms include persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, recurring infections or slow wound healing, unexplained bone pain or fractures, and ongoing inflammation or swelling. You might also experience unexplained weight loss, excessive thirst, frequent urination, or general feelings of being unwell without a clear cause. These symptoms can indicate protein abnormalities that this test is designed to detect.

Question 7

How can I naturally support my immune and protein health?

Accepted Answer

Focus on eating adequate high-quality protein from varied sources like lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy to support healthy protein production. Stay well-hydrated, get 7-9 hours of quality sleep, and manage stress through regular exercise and relaxation techniques. Limiting alcohol intake and avoiding smoking are particularly important for liver health, which plays a key role in protein production.

Question 8

What is protein electrophoresis and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Protein electrophoresis is a laboratory technique that separates the different types of proteins in your blood and measures their levels. It matters because abnormal protein patterns can be early indicators of immune disorders, chronic inflammation, liver or kidney disease, and certain blood conditions. By identifying these patterns, your healthcare provider can diagnose conditions that might otherwise go undetected and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Question 9

What does abnormal protein electrophoresis mean?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal results can indicate several different conditions depending on which protein fractions are affected. Low albumin might suggest liver or kidney problems, while elevated gamma globulins can indicate immune system activity or chronic infection. Unusual spikes in certain protein fractions might suggest monoclonal gammopathies or other blood disorders. Your doctor will interpret your specific pattern in the context of your symptoms and medical history.

Question 10

How often should I retest my protein levels?

Accepted Answer

If you're being monitored for a known condition affecting your protein levels, your doctor will typically recommend retesting every 3-6 months to track changes and treatment response. For initial diagnosis with normal results but persistent symptoms, retesting in 6-12 months may be appropriate. If abnormalities are detected, more frequent monitoring every 1-3 months might be necessary depending on the findings and your clinical situation.

Question 11

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 12

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 13

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 14

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 15

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 16

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 17

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Blood Test for Unexplained Fatigue and Chronic Symptoms

Protein Electrophoresis, with Total Protein and Reflex to IFE, Serum

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

How should I prepare for this test?

What's included in this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Blood Test for Unexplained Fatigue and Chronic Symptoms

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

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