What is abnormal immunofixation?
In a serum immunofixation (IFX) test, they appear as a spike called an M spike. They are considered to be abnormal Ig. In addition to detecting Ig, the IFX test can identify the type of abnormal Ig present.
What is a immunofixation test for?
What is an immunofixation (IFE) blood test? An immunofixation blood test, also known as protein electrophoresis, measures certain proteins in the blood. Proteins play many important roles, including providing energy for the body, rebuilding muscles, and supporting the immune system.
What is immunofixation result?
Immunofixation can either reveal a normal pattern or identify a monoclonal protein or a polyclonal immunoglobulin pattern. A normal result includes a darker immunoglobulin G (IgG) lane, a lighter immunoglobulin A (IgA), an absent immunoglobulin M (IgM), and a denser kappa compared to lambda lane, with ratio of 2:1.
What does abnormal protein band mean?
When an abnormal band on either a serum or a urine electrophoresis pattern suggests the presence of a single type of immunoglobulin (monoclonal), immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) or immunosubtraction electrophoresis can be used as follow-up tests to further identify abnormal proteins.
How long does it take to get Immunofixation results?
The Immunofixation (IFE) Serum Test detects and identifies monoclonal immunoglobulin gammopathies, which may indicate conditions such as multiple myeloma or Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia. Preparation: Fasting for 10-12 hours required. Test Results: 2-3 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
What causes Immunofixation electrophoresis?
Immunofixation electrophoresis or immunosubtraction electrophoresis may be ordered when an abnormal band suggestive of a monoclonal immunoglobulin is detected on either a serum or a urine electrophoresis.
What is the difference between Immunofixation and electrophoresis?
Urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) is used to identify the presence of the Bence Jones protein in urine. Immunofixation is used to identify the subtype of protein (ie, IgA lambda).
Is MGUS an autoimmune disease?
Background. Multiple myeloma (MM) and its precursor, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), have been linked with several autoimmune conditions in the medical literature.