Immunofixation Electrophoresis, Serum / Urine

Specimen requirement Serum Urine
Adult patient:

  Clotted blood tube (Serum gel separator clot activator tube)

Minimum blood volume: 5 mL

 Spot urine:

Plain urine bottle

Volume: 10 mL
Paediatric patient:

Paediatric clotted blood tube

Number of vials: 2

Minimum blood volume: 1.6 mL
Authorisation code required No No
24 Hr available service No No
Method Immunofixation
Reference interval

Not applicable

See result interpretation session.
Clinical indication

Characterisation of the light and heavy chains of monoclonal (M) bands (paraproteins) detected on electrophoretogram.

Result interpretation

The presence of an IgG, IgA or, less commonly, IgD and IgE paraproteins indicates multiple myeloma or monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS).

Monoclonal light chains (Bence Jones protein) of significant amounts indicate multiple myeloma.

Paraproteins and / or monoclonal light chains may occasionally be found in primary amyloidosis.

IgM paraprotein is characteristic of Waldenström macroglobulinaemia but lower concentrations may be seen in lymphoproliferative disorders.

For quantitation of paraproteins, see protein electrophoresis.
Measurement of uncertainty See table.
Frequency of measurement Weekly