[kerrirunnergirl]

Is 24-hour urine testing just to measure light chains?

by kerrirunnergirl on Sun Jul 17, 2016 5:15 pm

Hi all,

Our doctor ordered a 24-hour urine for my husband's one year anniversary for multiple myeloma to check things out.. My husband has light chain myeloma and is presently in remission since induction chemotherapy.

Anyway, my question is this: The 24 hour urine is for light chains. Is that all that needs to be measured? He was positive for Bence Jones protein at diagnosis. Just wondering if anything else needs to be measured in the urine..

Thanks, Kerri

[Multibilly]

Re: Is 24-hour urine testing just to measure light chains?

by Multibilly on Sun Jul 17, 2016 7:17 pm

Hi Kerri,

Free light chains (Bence Jones proteins, urine M-spike) are a key component of the 24-hour urine test, albeit the 24-hour urine free light chain measurement isn't as sensitive and accurate as a serum (blood) free light chain assay. However, measuring total protein, creatinine clearance, and the albumin level via a 24-hour urine tests also provides valuable insights into how well one's kidneys are functioning.