What type of samples are most suitable for protein electrophoresis?

Protein electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate proteins in a sample based on their size, charge, and other physical properties. Sera is considered the most suitable type of sample for protein electrophoresis because it contains a wide range of proteins, including albumin and various immunoglobulins, which are key to assessing health and disease states. Serum is the liquid portion that remains after blood has clotted and the cells have been removed, providing a concentrated source of proteins that are relevant to many clinical conditions, such as liver disease, multiple myeloma, and inflammatory disorders.

While plasma, which is blood that has not clotted and contains clotting factors, can also be used for protein electrophoresis, it may introduce additional proteins that can complicate the interpretation of the results since it contains fibrinogen. Whole blood samples are typically not used for this technique because they contain cells that can obscure the analysis of proteins. Saliva may contain some proteins, but the concentration and variety are generally not sufficient for effective electrophoresis compared to serum.