Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Monoclonal paraprotein bands in the serum are seen in myeloma and in some non-malignant or pre-malignant conditions. Discussion with a haematologist is recommended. Single or multiple small paraprotein bands may be seen in chronic infectious or inflammatory conditions.
None
Freq analysis:
Daily
Add on test:
All urgent add ons via telephone on 0191 282 4766, and must be confirmed via email to the appropriate email address
[email protected] (internal)
or
[email protected] (external)
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS for MONOCLONAL PROTEIN IDENTIFICATION
Interpretation:
None
Reference ranges:
Normal Range: Adults (<75 years): Absent Adults (>75 years): Present at low levels (<10g/L) in up to 20% of patients
Other info:
All requests for Immunoglobulins (Igs) are examined for paraprotein bands by electrophoresis (EP) (see serum electrophoresis). If a paraprotein band is detected it is quantitated by densitometry where possible and a result given in g/L. Further investigations will define the nature of the paraprotein (see immunofixation).