Description
Why It’s Done:
• To diagnose and monitor conditions like multiple myeloma, light chain amyloidosis, and other plasma cell disorders
• To assess the production of abnormal light chains in the blood, which can accumulate and cause organ damage in diseases like amyloidosis
• To help evaluate the presence of monoclonal gammopathies, where abnormal protein production by plasma cells occurs
• To aid in detecting kidney damage due to light chain deposition
• To monitor the effectiveness of treatment in plasma cell disorders, particularly during or after therapy for multiple myeloma
Preparation:
• No special preparation is typically required for this test.
• A blood sample will be drawn, usually from a vein in your arm.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any medications, especially those related to plasma cell disorders or chemotherapy, as these may affect the test results.
