Detection of paraprotein in immunology laboratory

Abstract

Paraprotein is the immunoglobulin or immunoglobulin components that generated by the abnormal clones of plasma cells or other B-cell lineage (monoclonal or oligoclonal) and can be detected in the blood or urine. Paraprotein detection is using for the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorder, especially multiple myeloma. There are several laboratory methods for paraprotein detection, including; 1) the screening test of abnormal immunoglobulin formation using protein electrophoresis ; and 2) the tests for identify immunoglobulin isotype or components using Immunoelectrophoresis, Immunotyping electrophoresis, or Immunofixation electrophoresis. Additionally, immunoturbidimetric method and immunonephelometric method are high sensitivity tests that are used to monitor treatment, including the detection of minimal residual disease, but requires more sophisticate tools. As such, detection of
paraproteins leads to the accurate diagnosis and the effective monitoring which will be associated with the better treatment outcomes.