Immunofixation (IFE), Serum; Protein Electrophoresis (PE); Free Kappa and Gamma Light Chains + Ratio

Detect and identify monoclonal gammopathy (M protein) found on serum protein electrophoresis; diagnose myeloma, macroglobulinemia of Waldenström; evaluate amyloidosis; evaluate lymphoproliferative disease (malignant lymphoma and others) and collagen disease in general; diagnose and characterize immune deficient and dysgammaglobulinemic states

The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™) recommend the use of serum free light chain assays in the initial diagnostic work-up 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 work-up in the NCCN Multiple Myeloma Guidelines."¹

If screening for plasma cell dyscrasias, the International Myeloma Working Group recommends a screening panel consisting of serum free light chain assay, serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), and serum immunofixation (IFE) to maximize sensitivity. (A 24-hour urine IFE can be added if AL amyloidosis is suspected.)²

1. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™) for Multiple Myeloma, Version 1.2011. Fort Washington, Pa: NCCN; 2011.

2. Dispenzieri A, Kyle R, Merlini G, et al. International Myeloma Working Group guidelines for serum-free light chain analysis in multiple myeloma and related disorders. Leukemia. 2009 Feb; 23(2): 215-224. PubMed 19020545

Patient should be fasting.