Protein Electrophoresis, Serum With Reflex to IFE, Serum and Free κ and λ Light Chains, Serum
Also known as: Free Light Chains, Quantitative, Serum, Freelite®, Globulins, Serum, IEP, Serum, IFE, Serum and Protein Electrophoresis, Serum
Use
Detect and identify monoclonal immunoglobulin gammopathies. Diagnose myeloma, macroglobulinemia of Waldenström. Immunofixation is used to evaluate monoclonal gammopathy (M protein) found on serum protein electrophoresis; evaluate amyloidosis. Has application to the evaluation of lymphoproliferative disease (malignant lymphoma and others) and collagen disease in general. Of use in the diagnosis and characterization of immune deficient and dysgammaglobulinemic states. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™) recommend the use of serum free light chain assays for use in the initial diagnostic workup of multiple myeloma and related disorders. "Use of free light chain (FLC) assay along with SPEP and SIFE yields high sensitivity while screening for MM and related plasma cell disorders. Therefore, this assay is now included as a part of the initial diagnostic workup in the NCCN Multiple Myeloma Guidelines."1
Special Instructions
It is preferred, though not required, that patients fast overnight before specimen collection. Ensure the sample clots and the serum is separated promptly to prevent hemolysis. Tests may automatically reflex based on initial results, which could incur additional charges.
Limitations
The test may not detect all monoclonal gammopathies and can be affected by high levels of bilirubin or triglycerides, potentially leading to false negative results. Lipemia and hemolysis can cause specimen rejection. The test focus is on detecting monoclonal protein but may not identify complex beta-gamma bridging or subtle albumin anomalies.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 24351-9
- 2885-2
- 2862-1
- 2865-4
- 2868-8
- 2871-2
- 2874-6
- 33358-3
- 10834-0
- 1759-0
- 77202-0
- 13169-8
- 36916-5
- 33944-0
- 48378-4
Result Turnaround Time
3-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
5.5 mL
Minimum Volume
2.2 mL
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube
Collection Instructions
Sample should be allowed to clot and the serum separated as soon as possible to prevent hemolysis.
Patient Preparation
Overnight fasting is preferred, but not required.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C.
Causes for Rejection
Lipemia; hemolysis; plasma instead of serum
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant