My monoclonal peak estimation (m-spike) has been 200 mg/dl for the last 18 months. Yesterday my lab report stated the following based on my Serum Immunofixation Interpretation "The estimated monoclonal immunoglobulin concentration is approximately 300 mg/dl and has not significantly changed from a previous value of 200 mg/dl measured on 11/5/14 [November 5, 2014]. Serum IgA and IgM levels are within normal limits."
My questions are 50% increase isn't significant? And second it seem as a test so important as m-spike why is it estimated and not exact?
Thanks,
Coach Hoke
Forums
4 posts
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Re: M-spike - questions on changes & estimation
Coach:
I dunno what to tell ya on the 50 % question(s). 50% would sure catch my attention.
On the "Approximate reading"--perhaps they are using the old cellulose medium, in order to charge the Serum, resulting in the stain remaining (M Spike) and are "eyeballing it".
( ie Old method for determining levels)
Thus, "Approximate" is the best they can give on that interpretation ?
Hopefully, you will get some answers.
Regards,
I dunno what to tell ya on the 50 % question(s). 50% would sure catch my attention.
On the "Approximate reading"--perhaps they are using the old cellulose medium, in order to charge the Serum, resulting in the stain remaining (M Spike) and are "eyeballing it".
( ie Old method for determining levels)
Thus, "Approximate" is the best they can give on that interpretation ?
Hopefully, you will get some answers.
Regards,
-
Rneb
Re: M-spike - questions on changes & estimation
Hi Coach,
An M-spike of 200 mg/dL equals an M-spike of 0.2 g/dL or 2 g/L. Myeloma patients can have M-spikes up to the high single digits (in g/dL) at diagnosis, so an M-spike of 0.2 g/dL is quite low. So, sure, a change from 0.2 to 0.3 is a large percentage change, but in this case it's only because the starting number is relatively small.
I've seen doctors here in the forum say that they basically don't get very excited unless a patient's M-spike changes around 0.5 g/dL, and even then they like to look at trends.
It's also my understanding that most M-spike measurements are still done based on a human reading of graphs, so there is definitely a margin of error.
An M-spike of 200 mg/dL equals an M-spike of 0.2 g/dL or 2 g/L. Myeloma patients can have M-spikes up to the high single digits (in g/dL) at diagnosis, so an M-spike of 0.2 g/dL is quite low. So, sure, a change from 0.2 to 0.3 is a large percentage change, but in this case it's only because the starting number is relatively small.
I've seen doctors here in the forum say that they basically don't get very excited unless a patient's M-spike changes around 0.5 g/dL, and even then they like to look at trends.
It's also my understanding that most M-spike measurements are still done based on a human reading of graphs, so there is definitely a margin of error.
Re: M-spike - questions on changes & estimation
Agree. Small changes in low spike readings should not be overreacted to. I would not make much out of that change.
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Dr. James Hoffman - Name: James E. Hoffman, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
4 posts
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