Problems of interpretation of serum electrophoresis related to the manual phase during its realization with a semi-automatic automaton

Manual steps including preparation of samples and gel, and launching of automatic sequences can cause many difficulties in the interpretation of electrophoresis. Three observations of electrophoretic profiles on Hydragel 15β1-β2 agarose gel media led us to look for interference in the manual step of the technique used. After reconsidering all the steps of the manipulation and carefully observing the profiles obtained on the three plates of the agarose gel, the management of the deposition of the filter paper was identified as the cause in the first observation. The holding of the gel plate and the insufficient deposition of serum were identified as the main causes in the second observation. Mismanagement of the plate was identified as the cause in the third observation. All of these assumptions were confirmed by tests done on the bench. These observations remind us of the importance of the manual phase with semi-automatic devices for obtaining reliable results and for easy interpretation of  results.   Key words: Electrophoresis, migration, albumin, gamma, densitometer.