Immunofixation Electrophoresis Urine

Your doctor will ask you to get this test done if you have symptoms of one of the following conditions:

Multiple myeloma: It is a cancer of plasma cells that are found in the bone marrow. Symptoms of multiple myeloma include:

• Back pain
• Recurring fractures
• Anaemia
• Pain in the abdomen
• Severe constipation
• Tiredness
• Dehydration
• Excessive thirst
• Numbness in the legs
• Muscular weakness
• Confusion and dizziness

Primary amyloidosis: It is a rare disorder in which abnormal proteins (called the amyloid proteins) begin to get accumulated in tissues and organs. Symptoms of primary amyloidosis are:

• Shortness of breath
• Problems in swallowing
• Swelling of the tongue
• Swelling in arms and legs
• Persistent tiredness
• Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia

Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia: It is yet another type of white blood cell cancer that manifests in the form of:

• Bleeding gums
• Tiredness
• Headaches
• Tingling sensation in hands and feet
• Bruising of the skin

Abnormal immunoglobulins are present in all of these medical conditions. 

No preparation is needed for this test. However, you must inform your doctor if you are taking any routine medications, herbal supplements or vitamin. 

A 24-hour urine sample is needed for this test. You’ll be provided with a special container to collect the sample. It’s best to start collecting the sample in the morning. 

• Discard the first urine in the morning and note the time as the beginning of the 24 hour period.
• For the next 24 hours, collect a sample every time you urinate.
• The container with the urine must be stored in a cool environment or in a refrigerator.  Label the container with your name and date and time of collection of the sample. 
• Submit the container to the lab after the 24 hour period. 

If the test is being conducted for an infant, you'll be provided with a urine collection bag to collect the sample. This helps avoid spillage of the sample. Make sure to clean the area around his/her urethra before collecting the sample.

Normal results:

Normal results indicate the absence of monoclonal immunoglobulins in the urine. In this case, your doctor may perform other tests to determine the cause of the symptoms.

Abnormal results:

Abnormal results indicate that you have abnormal immunoglobulins in your body that could be linked to health conditions such as multiple myeloma and amyloidosis. Your doctor will order more tests to confirm the diagnosis.

It is important to remember that in some individuals, a small number of abnormal immunoglobulins may be present in the body and are not indicative of any health conditions. So, it is important to talk to the doctor to understand your results. 

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.