What is a disadvantage of using high resolution (HR) agarose electrophoresis?

High resolution agarose electrophoresis is a technique used to separate and analyze proteins, including albumin, in serum or other biological samples. When discussing the potential disadvantages of this method, one drawback noted is that density metric scans may underestimate the concentration of albumin in the sample.

This underestimation can result from the resolution and sensitivity of the technique. High-resolution electrophoresis aims to provide clearer and more distinct bands for each protein fraction. However, such clarity can sometimes lead to inaccuracies in quantitative measurement, specifically if the densitometric analysis does not correctly assess the optical density of the albumin band relative to the other proteins.

In this context, the methodology involved in interpreting the results, especially when distinguishing albumin from closely migrating proteins, can lead to measurement errors where the albumin's actual concentration is lower than what it is perceived to be in the scan. This aspect is particularly critical for applications where precise quantification of albumin is essential, such as in diagnosing specific conditions related to protein levels in the serum.

Thus, underestimating albumin during analysis can lead to misleading clinical interpretations and mismanagement of patient care.