![]() ![]() ![]() This abnormal protein is known by several different names, including monoclonal immunoglobulin, monoclonal protein (M protein ), M spike, or paraprotein.Īntibodies are made up of chains of protein : 2 long (heavy) chains and 2 shorter (light) chains. Finding a monoclonal antibody in the blood may be the first step in diagnosing multiple myeloma. Another test, called immunofixation or immunoelectrophoresis, is used to determine the exact type of abnormal antibody (IgG. Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is a test that measures the antibodies in the blood and can find a monoclonal antibody. The antibody produced by myeloma cells is abnormal because it is monoclonal (all the exact same ). In multiple myeloma, the level of one type may be high while the others are low. The levels of these immunoglobulins are measured to see if any are abnormally high or low. There are several different types of antibodies in the blood: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM. This test measures the blood levels of the different antibodies (also called immunoglobulins). These tests are called urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) and urine immunofixation. You most likely also will be asked to give a sample of urine that has been collected over a 24-hour period, so it can measure how much myeloma protein is present. Urine testsĪ routine urine sample is typically taken to look for myeloma protein that has filtered through the kidney. High levels mean the disease is more advanced and may have a worse prognosis. It can be a useful indicator of a patient’s prognosis (outlook). High calcium levels (hypercalcemia) can cause symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and confusion.Ī blood test to measure lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels might also be done. Calcium levels may be high in people with advanced myeloma.Albumin is a protein found in the blood.High levels mean that the kidneys are not functioning well. Creatinine levels show how well your kidneys are working.Levels of blood creatinine, albumin, calcium, and other electrolytes will be checked. The most common finding is a low red blood cell count ( anemia). If there are too many myeloma cells in the bone marrow, some of these blood cell levels can be low. The complete blood count (CBC) is a test that measures the levels of red cells, white cells, and platelets in the blood. If symptoms suggest that a person might have multiple myeloma, more tests are done. ![]()
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