How do you test for M protein?
How do you test for M proteins?
- A complete blood count (CBC). This blood test measures the levels of different cells in your blood and can reveal certain MGUS-related issues such as anemia.
- Beta-2 microglobulin test.
- Biopsies.
- Blood chemistry tests.
- Echocardiogram (ECHO).
- Imaging tests.
- Urine protein tests.
What is M protein blood test?
Quantitative immunoglobulin testing (Qlg). This test measures the total amount of immunoglobulin proteins in your blood. It is useful to follow if you are found to have a monoclonal protein in your blood or urine.
What does a positive M Spike mean?
A monoclonal spike (M spike or paraprotein) on serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is a frequent finding in the general population and typically is pathognomonic of an asymptomatic, premalignant condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).
What does it mean when M protein levels are low?
This condition occurs when people have a low level of M protein, meaning there are small amounts of abnormal plasma cells but they do not have any other evidence of myeloma, such as bone damage, excessive plasma cells in the marrow, or low numbers of components of the blood count, such as red blood cells, white blood …
What blood tests indicate multiple myeloma?
Tests to Find Multiple Myeloma
- Blood counts. The complete blood count (CBC) is a test that measures the levels of red cells, white cells, and platelets in the blood.
- Blood chemistry tests.
- Urine tests.
- Quantitative immunoglobulins.
- Electrophoresis.
- Serum free light chains.
- Beta-2 microglobulin.
- Bone marrow biopsy.
What is normal M spike level?
Normal range: 0.57-2.63 mg/dL Multiple myeloma or another plasma cell disorder may be indicated by increased lambda free light chains and a decreased kappa/ lambda ratio.
What do M proteins do?
M protein is a virulence factor that can be produced by certain species of Streptococcus. M protein is strongly anti-phagocytic and is the major virulence factor for group A streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes). It binds to serum factor H, destroying C3-convertase and preventing opsonization by C3b.
What is considered a high level of M-protein?
High levels mean the disease is more advanced and may indicate a poor prognosis. The presence of any M spike is abnormal and shows the presence of an abnormal clone of plasma cells. If the amount of protein is ≥30 g/L and/or there are other disease symptoms, the patient may have myeloma.
Can you have myeloma without M spike?
Nonsecretory multiple myeloma (NSMM) is a rare variant of the classic form of MM that has a similar clinical and radiologic presentation except for the absence of the M-protein in serum and/or urine. Depending on the author, NSMM may have or not detectable monoclonal free light chain in urine/serum.