Protein Electrophoresis With Interpretation, 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
Serum protein electrophoresis includes automatic reflex to serum immunofixation (IFE) if M-spike is present, at an additional charge. Overnight fasting is preferred but not required for specimen collection.
Limitations
Some cases may require additional confirmatory testing. Lipemia, hemolysis, and use of plasma instead of serum are notable causes for rejection, which may impact the test's accuracy and potential interpretation.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2885-2
- 2862-1
- 2865-4
- 2868-8
- 2871-2
- 2874-6
- 33358-3
- 10834-0
- 1759-0
- 77202-0
- 12851-2
- 11502-2
- 2885-2
- 2862-1
- 2865-4
- 2868-8
- 2871-2
- 2874-6
- 33358-3
- 10834-0
- 1759-0
- 77202-0
- 12851-2
- 11502-2
- 2465-3
- 2458-8
- 2472-9
- 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