Which type of electrophoresis is typically used to identify proteins found in multiple myeloma?

Immunofixation electrophoresis is particularly effective in identifying proteins associated with multiple myeloma, primarily because it is designed to detect specific proteins, notably monoclonal immunoglobulins. In multiple myeloma, patients produce an excessive amount of a specific type of antibody, or immunoglobulin, which can be distinguished from other proteins in serum samples through this method.

This technique involves performing electrophoresis to separate the serum proteins based on their size and charge, followed by the application of specific antibodies that will bind to the target proteins (the monoclonal immunoglobulins). This binding creates a visible pattern that indicates the presence and characteristics of the proteins of interest. In contrast, other types of electrophoresis, such as disc electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, or isoelectric focusing, may not have the specificity required to accurately identify the distinct protein patterns associated with multiple myeloma.