| Summary: | Protein manifestations characteristic of multiple myeloma (MM) include increases of monoclonal (M)-protein concentrations (IgG, IgA, IgA, IgD), light chain concentrations (including kappa [ð] and lambda, abnormal ø2-microglobulin, serum albumin, creatinine, and hemoglobin levels, and findings of bone marrow plasma cells (of greater than or equal to 5%). Measurement of the protein manifestations produced by patients can be achieved by numerous methods. Traditional tests that measure M-proteins are the 24-hour urine collection test, urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP), serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), and immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE). One newer test (developed in 2001) is the serum free light chain (sFLC) assay. The frequency with which to test using any of the tests along with the clinical utility of the newer tests remains in question. It is for this reason that a review of the clinical effectiveness, clinical utility, and guidelines of repeat testing for protein abnormalities in patients with MM was undertaken
|
|---|