These can be separated and quantitated in the laboratory by electrophoresis and densitometry. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the tourniquet is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding . Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.
Electrophoresis is a laboratory technique.
The blood serum is placed on specially treated paper and exposed to an electric current. Individual proteins, with the exception of albumin , are not usually measured. However, protein fractions or groups ARE measured. The levels of protein fractions can be roughly measured by measuring the total serum protein and multiplying by the relative percentage of each component protein fraction. How The Test Will Feel When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation.