[PLong56]

Is the paraprotein level the same as M-spike?

by PLong56 on Wed Oct 24, 2018 9:56 pm

My husband's recent lab work shows the following. I'm confused about what constitutes an M spike.

SPE interpretation

Results: Paraprotein Detected in gamma region, = 0.2 gm/dL. Suggest immunotyping.

Does that mean an M-spike of 0.2 gm/dL?

[Beacon Staff]

Re: Is the paraprotein level the same as M-spike?

by Beacon Staff on Thu Oct 25, 2018 7:02 am

Yes, PLong56, a myeloma or MGUS patient's "paraprotein" level is the same as what many people call the M-spike.

Other descriptions you'll sometimes find for M-spike include "M-protein", "monoclonal protein", and "abnormal protein band."

Sometimes there will be numbered "protein bands", such as "Abnormal protein band 1", "Abnormal protein band 2", etc. These values are listed in case a patient has more than one M-spike.

For more information on how M-spikes are described in lab reports, here are some questions similar to the one PLong56 ask:

"What test lists the M-spike?"
"What lab result is my M-spike?"
"What specific lab test designates M-spike?"
"What value in my lab results is the M-spike?"
"Where is the M-spike in my lab results?"