I had immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) and serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) done twice. Once in India and once in the USA.
The SPEP came back negative in both countries.
The IFE test, however, came back positive with M-spike on the India test only. Both tests were done about 1 month apart.
I am wondering if i should just trust the USA test and move on, or are more follow ups needed?
On the India test they mentioned the words "high resolution," which was not mentioned on the US report, so I don't know if this makes any difference. Are there different resolutions used in IFE?
Here is the conclusion from the India report:
"High resolution serum protein electrophoresis reveals the presence of a monoclonal gammopathy ('M' spike) in gamma globulin region. Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) identifies the 'M' spike as lambda light chain."
On the US IFE report:
"No monoclonal proteins detected".
The free kappa, free lambda, kappa-lambda ratios, IgG, IgA, IgM were all within range on both reports.
In the past I had papillary carcinoma which was treated with thyroid removal and radioactive iodine. So not sure if there is any connection or what to make of the 2 reports.
Forums
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Re: Disagreement between two sets of IFE & SPEP tests
Hi,
It looks like neither of the two SPEPs picked up a measurable M-spike. So the only evidence you have that your body may be producing a monoclonal protein on an ongoing basis is the one immunofixation test that found monoclonal lambda light chains in your blood.
Given the disagreement between the two tests, this could be a case of a transient positive result on the immunofixation test.
However, since the immunofixation test is picking up just monoclonal lambda free light chains -- no monoclonal heavy chains (IgG, IgA, IgM, etc.) -- one thing you might want to do is get a serum free light chain test done. You can have your doctor order one for you, or, if you're still in the U.S., you can arrange for one on your own at a testing laboratory.
The serum free light chain test will tell you know if your lambda free light chain level is truly elevated, and also whether it's elevated enough to put the kappa-lambda ratio outside the normal range.
If you have free light chain testing done, let us know what you find out by posting the results here in this thread, and we can help you interpret them.
As for additional SPEP and IFE testing, I wouldn't rush to have them done until you've had the free light chain testing done.
Good luck!
It looks like neither of the two SPEPs picked up a measurable M-spike. So the only evidence you have that your body may be producing a monoclonal protein on an ongoing basis is the one immunofixation test that found monoclonal lambda light chains in your blood.
Given the disagreement between the two tests, this could be a case of a transient positive result on the immunofixation test.
However, since the immunofixation test is picking up just monoclonal lambda free light chains -- no monoclonal heavy chains (IgG, IgA, IgM, etc.) -- one thing you might want to do is get a serum free light chain test done. You can have your doctor order one for you, or, if you're still in the U.S., you can arrange for one on your own at a testing laboratory.
The serum free light chain test will tell you know if your lambda free light chain level is truly elevated, and also whether it's elevated enough to put the kappa-lambda ratio outside the normal range.
If you have free light chain testing done, let us know what you find out by posting the results here in this thread, and we can help you interpret them.
As for additional SPEP and IFE testing, I wouldn't rush to have them done until you've had the free light chain testing done.
Good luck!
-
JimNY
2 posts
• Page 1 of 1
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