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Immunofixation (IFE), Serum, Protein Electrophoresis (PE), Serum, and Quantitative Free κ and λ Light Chains (FLC) Plus Ratio, Serum

CPT 82784(x3); 83521(x2); 84155; 84165; 86334
Synonyms
  • Free Light Chains, Quantitative, Serum
  • Freelite®
  • Globulins, Serum
  • IEP, Serum
  • IFE, Serum and Protein Electrophoresis, Serum
  • Immunoelectrophoresis for Myeloma Proteins
  • Kappa Free Light Chains, Quantitative, Serum
  • Kappa:Lambda Free Light Chains Ratio, Quantitative, Serum
  • Lambda Free Light Chains, Quantitative, Serum
  • Light Chains, Free κ and Free λ, Quantitative, Serum
  • Protein IEP
  • Serum IFE

Test Details

Turnaround Time

3 - 5 days

Use

Detect and identify monoclonal gammopathy (M protein) found on serum protein electrophoresis; diagnose myeloma, macroglobulinemia of Waldenström; evaluate amyloidosis; evaluate lymphoproliferative disease (malignant lymphoma and others) and collagen disease in general; diagnose and characterize immune deficient and dysgammaglobulinemic states

Special Instructions

State patient's age and clinical diagnosis on the test request form.

Test Includes

Quantitation of serum immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, and IgM; IFE qualitative interpretation of heavy- and light-chain patterns; serum protein electrophoresis; quantitation of serum free κ and λ light chains plus κ:λ ratio

Methodology

Electrophoresis followed by immunodiffusion against monospecific antisera to immunoglobulin and individual heavy and light chains (IFE); protein electrophoresis on agarose media; turbidimetric quantitation of IgA, IgG, and IgM; turbidimetric quantitation of free κ and λ light chains

Additional Information

The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™) recommend the use of serum free light chain assays in the initial diagnostic work-up of multiple myeloma and related disorders.

"Use of free light chain (FLC) assay along with SPEP and SIFE yields high sensitivity while screening for MM and related plasma cell disorders. Therefore, this assay is now included as a part of the initial diagnostic work-up in the NCCN Multiple Myeloma Guidelines."1

If screening for plasma cell dyscrasias, the International Myeloma Working Group recommends a screening panel consisting of serum free light chain assay, serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), and serum immunofixation (IFE) to maximize sensitivity. (A 24-hour urine IFE can be added if AL amyloidosis is suspected.)2

Specimen Requirements

Information on collection, storage, and volume

Specimen

Serum

Volume

5.5 mL

Minimum Volume

2.2 mL

Container

Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube

Storage Instructions

IFE: Refrigerated. PE and FLC: Room temperature

Causes for Rejection

Plasma sample

Collection

Sample should be allowed to clot and the serum separated as soon as possible to prevent hemolysis.