Multiple Myeloma Panel

The 12 tests in this panel

What each one measures and the range labs usually print for adults. Ranges differ a little between labs, so the range on your own report is the one your result is judged against.

• SPEP Interpretation (Serum Protein Electrophoresis)

  A written summary of your serum protein electrophoresis pattern: for example a normal pattern, a monoclonal spike, or a broad rise or fall in one protein group.

• M-Protein (Monoclonal Spike), Serum

  The size of a monoclonal protein (M-spike), a single antibody made by one group of plasma cells. Most people have none.

  Adults

  up to 0 g/dL

• Immunofixation (IFE), Serum

  Checks whether a protein made by one clone of plasma cells is in your blood. If so, it names the type, such as IgG kappa.

• Free Kappa Light Chains, Serum

  A small antibody piece (kappa type) made by plasma cells. It is read with lambda, the ratio and your kidney function.

  Adults

  3.3–19.4 mg/L

• Free Lambda Light Chains, Serum

  A small antibody piece (lambda type) made by plasma cells. It is read with kappa, the ratio and your kidney function.

  Adults

  5.7–26.3 mg/L

• Free Kappa/Lambda Light Chain Ratio

  Compares kappa with lambda free light chains. A lopsided ratio can be a clue to a plasma cell condition, but kidney disease also shifts it.

  Adults

  0.26–1.65 ratio

• Immunoglobulin G (IgG)

  The most common antibody in your blood. It shows how much of this main infection-fighting protein your body makes.

  Men, 20+

  603–1,613 mg/dL

  Women, 20+

  586–1,602 mg/dL

  18+

  767–1,590 mg/dL

• Immunoglobulin A (IgA)

  An antibody that guards the linings of your gut, airways and mouth. It is also the control for celiac blood tests.

  18+

  61–356 mg/dL

• Immunoglobulin M (IgM)

  The first antibody your body makes against a new germ. Reported in mg/dL in the US and in g/L in many other countries.

  Men, 20–70

  20–172 mg/dL

  Women, 20–70

  26–217 mg/dL

  18+

  37–286 mg/dL

• Calcium, Total

  Total calcium is the amount of calcium in your blood. It supports your nerves, muscles, heart and bones, and it is on most routine panels.

  18–59

  8.7–10.2 mg/dL

  Men, 60+

  8.6–10.2 mg/dL

  Women, 60+

  8.7–10.3 mg/dL

• Creatinine

  Creatinine is a muscle waste product that your kidneys filter out, so the level in your blood is one of the main tools for checking kidney function.

  Men, 15+

  0.74–1.35 mg/dL

  Women, 16+

  0.59–1.04 mg/dL

• Hemoglobin

  The oxygen-carrying protein in your red blood cells. It is the main number used to check for anemia.

  Men, 16+

  13–17.7 g/dL

  Women, 16+

  11.1–15.9 g/dL

Labs can include one more test in this panel that we haven’t written up yet.