Immunofixation-qualitative Serum

The Immunofixation Qualitative Serum test is a laboratory test that measures the presence and type of specific proteins called immunoglobulins (Igs) in the blood.

Immunofixation Qualitative Serum Test is done for the following reasons:

1. To diagnose and monitor various diseases that affect the immune system, such as multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and amyloidosis.
2. To determine the type of abnormal proteins (immunoglobulins) present in the blood.
3. To identify the specific type of immunoglobulin that is present in excess or deficient, which can help in the diagnosis and management of diseases.
4. To distinguish between different types of immunoglobulins, such as IgA, IgG, IgM, and IgE, which have different functions in the immune system.
5. To detect abnormal bands or spikes in the protein electrophoresis test, which can indicate the presence of a disease or condition.
6. To monitor the effectiveness of treatment for diseases that affect the immune system, such as multiple myeloma, by tracking changes in the levels of abnormal proteins over time.
7. To evaluate patients with symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, bone pain, and kidney dysfunction, which may be associated with immune-related diseases.
8. To rule out the presence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a condition in which abnormal proteins are present in the blood, but no symptoms or signs of disease are present.

This test is usually ordered by a doctor when a patient presents with certain symptoms or conditions, including:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or weakness
• Recurring infections
• Abnormal bleeding or bruising
• Bone pain or fractures
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Kidney problems
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Elevated levels of certain blood proteins (such as immunoglobulins)

An abnormal result on an Immunofixation Qualitative Serum test indicates the presence of abnormal proteins (also known as M proteins or monoclonal proteins) in the blood indicative of multiple myeloma or other plasma cell disorders.

The test involves drawing a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. A healthcare professional will clean the area with an antiseptic, wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to make the veins more visible, and insert a needle into a vein to collect the blood sample. You may feel a brief prick or stinging sensation when the needle is inserted, but the procedure is generally painless.

No special preparation is required for the test. However, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider before taking the test, as they may have specific instructions or recommendations based on your individual medical history and current health status.

Here are some other laboratory tests that may be ordered along with the Immunofixation Qualitative Serum test:

1. Complete blood count (CBC): This test can help identify anemia, infection, or other conditions that may be affecting the body.
2. Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP): SPEP is a laboratory test that separates the different types of proteins in the blood to identify the presence of M proteins.
3. Beta-2 microglobulin test: Elevated levels of beta-2 microglobulin can be a sign of certain types of cancer, including multiple myeloma.
4. Serum calcium: High levels of calcium in the blood can be a sign of multiple myeloma or other plasma cell disorders.
5. Urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP): UPEP is a laboratory test that separates the different types of proteins in the urine to identify the presence of M proteins.
6. Kidney function tests: Blood tests that measure levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) can assess kidney function, which can be affected by multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders.
7. Bone marrow biopsy: This test can help diagnose multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders.

1. IFE test
2. Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) with immunofixation
3. Immunoelectrophoresis (IEP) with immunofixation
4. Immunoglobulin electrophoresis with immunofixation