Name |
Immunofixation (Serum)
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Alternative name/Profile |
IF, Electrophoresis, ELEC, GAM, Immunoglobulins, Multiple Myeloma, Lymphoproliferative Disease, Primary Systemic Amyloidosis, Light-chain Deposition Disease and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Unknown Significance (MGUS), FKFL |
Department |
Immunology |
Investigation |
Immunofixation (Sebia Hydrasys Focusing) |
Specimen type |
Clotted blood
|
Sample type |
Serum |
Sample container & volume |
5ml Red. |
Frequency of analysis |
Daily |
Turnaround time |
7 days
|
Availability |
|
Notes |
Useful for:
Clinical Information:
- A monolonal expansion of plasma cells (mature B-lymphocytes) is seen in patients with a Monoclonal Gammopathy.
- Monoclonal gammopathies include Multiple Myeloma, Lymphoproliferative Disease, Primary Systemic Amyloidosis, Light-chain Deposition Disease and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Unknown Significance (MGUS).
- Serum proteins may be divided into six fractions using electrophoresis; the albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta-1, beta-2 and gamma regions.
- A monoclonal expansion of plasma cells results in a monoconal production of immunoglobulin which can be detected on electrophoresis.
- Frequently monoclonal free light chains cannot be detected or quantified on electrophoresis.
- All samples that have abnormal immunoglobulin levels and/or an abnormality on electrophoreis will have immunofixation performed to characterise the monoclonal protein present.
Please Note:
- Occasionally monoclonal proteins detected on immunofixation cannot be detected on electrophoresis. On these occasions it is not possible to quantify the paraprotein level.
- Where External Institiutions cannot guarantee immediate delivery, samples must be centrifuged, separated and stored at 4oC. Samples can then be transported, as soon as possible, to St. James's Hospital for processing.
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Related links |
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Reference range |
Immunofixation (IF):
Details the absence (no abnormal bands) or presence of a monoclonal protein.
Monoclonal proteins include Free kappa chains (FKC) and Free lambda chains (FLC) (Bence Jones Protein (BJP)) and IgG type Kappa (GK)/IgG type Lambda (GL)/IgA type Kappa (AK)/IgA type Lambda (AL)/IgM type Kappa (MK)/IgM type Lambda (ML). |
SJH Patients Only |
No |
Last updated |
Tue, 09 Jun 2020 15:43:40 BST |