Question 1

What's this test for?

Accepted Answer

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained symptoms like persistent fatigue, bone pain, frequent infections, or unexplained weight loss that your doctor wants to investigate further. It helps identify protein imbalances, immune system disorders, and abnormal proteins that could signal conditions like multiple myeloma or other gammopathies. Many people get this test when routine bloodwork shows unusual protein levels or when symptoms suggest an underlying immune or blood disorder.

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 and fractions mean for your immune health and overall well-being. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary changes, which specialists to consult if abnormalities are detected, or whether follow-up testing is needed. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your protein levels over time using our trends feature to monitor any changes or improvements.

Question 3

What's included in this test?

Accepted Answer

This test measures Total Protein and performs Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPE), which separates proteins into six fractions: Albumin, Alpha-1, Alpha-2, Beta-1, Beta-2, and Gamma. This comprehensive analysis reveals protein imbalances that can indicate immune system problems, liver or kidney disease, inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, or abnormal protein production like monoclonal gammopathies. Together, these measurements provide crucial insights into your immune function, nutritional status, and help detect conditions that might not show up on standard blood tests.

Question 4

How should I prepare for this test?

Accepted Answer

Overnight fasting is preferred before this test. This means avoiding food for 8-12 hours before your blood draw, though you can drink water. Fasting helps ensure the most accurate protein measurements by reducing interference from recently consumed food. Check with your healthcare provider about whether you should continue taking any medications.

Question 5

Who should consider getting this test?

Accepted Answer

This test is important for people with unexplained symptoms like persistent fatigue, bone pain, recurrent infections, or unusual bruising. It's also recommended if routine bloodwork shows abnormal protein levels, if you have a family history of blood disorders or immune conditions, or if your doctor suspects multiple myeloma or other protein disorders. Anyone experiencing unexplained weight loss or kidney problems may also benefit from this screening.

Question 6

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms that may warrant this test include persistent bone pain or fractures, unexplained fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, frequent infections indicating immune problems, or unexplained weight loss. You might also need this test if you experience numbness or tingling in your extremities, excessive thirst, confusion, or if you have swelling that suggests kidney issues. These symptoms could indicate protein abnormalities affecting your immune system or organ function.

Question 7

What is protein electrophoresis and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Protein electrophoresis is a specialized lab technique that separates the different types of proteins in your blood to reveal patterns that indicate health problems. Your blood contains various protein groups that each serve important functions like fighting infections, transporting nutrients, and maintaining fluid balance. When these protein fractions are out of balance, it can signal immune disorders, liver or kidney disease, inflammation, or abnormal protein production that requires medical attention.

Question 8

What does an abnormal protein pattern mean?

Accepted Answer

An abnormal protein pattern can indicate several conditions depending on which fractions are affected. Elevated gamma proteins might suggest chronic infection, autoimmune disease, or conditions like multiple myeloma. Low albumin can indicate malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney problems. Elevated alpha proteins often reflect inflammation or acute illness. Your doctor will interpret the specific pattern along with your symptoms and other test results to determine the underlying cause.

Question 9

What is a monoclonal gammopathy?

Accepted Answer

A monoclonal gammopathy is a condition where your body produces an abnormal amount of a single type of protein called an M-protein or paraprotein. This shows up as a distinct spike on the electrophoresis pattern. While some monoclonal gammopathies are benign and require only monitoring, others can indicate serious conditions like multiple myeloma or related blood disorders. This test is one of the primary ways to detect these abnormal protein patterns early.

Question 10

How often should I retest my protein levels?

Accepted Answer

Retesting frequency depends on your initial results and underlying condition. If abnormalities are detected, your doctor may recommend retesting every 3-6 months to monitor progression or response to treatment. For benign monoclonal gammopathies, annual testing is often sufficient. If your results are normal but you have ongoing symptoms, your doctor might suggest retesting in 6-12 months or when symptoms change.

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 Immune Problems

Protein, Total and Protein Electrophoresis

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 Immune Problems

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

Ask Me Anything