What is the purpose of an electrophoresis test in a laboratory?

The purpose of an electrophoresis test in a laboratory is to separate proteins or nucleic acids based on their size and charge. This technique utilizes an electric field to cause charged particles to migrate through a gel or other medium. Molecules with different charges will move at different rates, allowing for the analysis of their composition, purity, and molecular weight. For example, in clinical laboratories, electrophoresis is often used to identify abnormal proteins in blood samples, which can assist in diagnosing various conditions, such as multiple myeloma or other disorders related to protein synthesis.

Other options, while relevant to laboratory testing, do not align with the specific function of electrophoresis. Measuring glucose levels involves different biochemical assays, counting blood cells typically utilizes hematology analyzers, and determining blood gases requires the use of blood gas analyzers, none of which involve the principle of separation through an electric field.