Paraproteins are abnormal monoclonal immunoglobulins produced in plasma cell disorders (eg multiple myeloma), lymphoproliferative disorders (eg CLL, Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia) and in some infections (hepatitis C).
The introduction of the assay, serum free light chains (FLC) has meant the initial investigation of paraproteinaemia has become much simpler.
Previously, serum tests had great difficulty in detecting immunoglobulin light chains for two reasons:
1. Light chains are rapidly cleared by the kidneys, up until a certain point where they ‘spilled’ over into the blood.
2. Assays had poor sensitivity in detecting ‘free’ light chains ie light chains not bound to heavy chains as in normal immunoglobulin.
Listen to expert interviews.
Click to open in a new tab
Browse the latest articles from Healthed.
Once you confirm you’ve read this article you can complete a Patient Case Review to earn 0.5 hours CPD in the Reviewing Performance (RP) category.
Select ‘Confirm & learn‘ when you have read this article in its entirety and you will be taken to begin your Patient Case Review.
