Clinical value of M protein detection using immunofixation electrophoresis in multiple myeloma

Objective To investigate the clinical value of M protein detection using immunofixation elec- trophoresis in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Methods M protein in 261 serum or urine samples (including those from 76 MM patients) was detected using immunofixation electrophoresis. Results M protein was detected in 100% of serum samples and 68% (53/76) of urine samples from MM patients. Among 17 patients who tested positive only for light chain M protein in the serum, urine M proteins was also positive in 94% of the cases. None of the 185 non MM patients showed M protein. Conclusion Immunofixation electrophoresis can be a highly sensitive and specific ap- proach for M protein detection and typing in MM patients.