Diagnostic Use
Urine immunofixation test is a sensitive method to detect and identify abnormal monoclonal proteins, particularly immunoglobulin light chains (Bence Jones protein) in the urine. It is most commonly used in the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma, light chain disease, and primary amyloidosis. Note that the combination of serum free light chain levels/ratio test and serum immunofixation test is already able to diagnose most clonal gammopathies. However, there is still a unique role for urine immunofixation test in the diagnosis of some patients with AL amyloidosis, light chain myeloma or oligo-secretory multiple myeloma.
At CMH biochemistry laboratory:
- all urine protein electrophoresis requests are now directed straight to urine immunofixation test as the latter is more sensitive to the presence of immunoglobulin light chains.
- Urine monoclonal bands are NOT routinely quantified – if that is required, please ring 09-2760044 ext 58519 to organise sendaway to LabPLUS VIM Proteins section
Reference Intervals
It is reported qualitatively thus no reference interval available.