Immunofixation (Quantitative)
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Commonly used for diagnosing plasma cell disorders like multiple myeloma and Waldenström macroglobulinemia
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🧪 What is Immunofixation (Quantitative)?
Immunofixation Electrophoresis (IFE) is a laboratory technique used to identify and quantify specific immunoglobulin (antibody) types (IgG, IgA, IgM, κ (kappa) and λ (lambda) light chains) in the blood or urine.
- Quantitative immunofixation not only detects the presence of a monoclonal protein (M protein or paraprotein) but also measures its amount.
- Commonly used for diagnosing plasma cell disorders like multiple myeloma and Waldenström macroglobulinemia.
❓ Why is the Test Done?
To:
- Diagnose or monitor monoclonal gammopathies (e.g., multiple myeloma, MGUS, Waldenström’s)
- Differentiate between polyclonal and monoclonal antibody increases
- Identify the type of immunoglobulin and light chain involved
- Monitor response to treatment in known patients
🔬 How It Works
- Electrophoresis is used to separate serum or urine proteins.
- Antisera specific to heavy (IgG, IgA, IgM) and light chains (κ, λ) are applied.
- The presence of sharp, discrete bands indicates monoclonal proteins.
- In quantitative IFE, the concentration of each immunoglobulin is measured.
📊 Normal Values (Serum Quantitative)
Immunoglobulin | Normal Range (mg/dL) |
|---|---|
IgG | 700 – 1600 |
IgA | 70 – 400 |
IgM | 40 – 230 |
Free κ Light Chains | 3.3 – 19.4 mg/L |
Free λ Light Chains | 5.7 – 26.3 mg/L |
κ/λ Ratio | 0.26 – 1.65 |
📈 Interpretation of Results
Finding | Interpretation |
|---|---|
Monoclonal spike ("M-spike") | Strong evidence of monoclonal gammopathy (e.g., multiple myeloma) |
Polyclonal increase | Suggests chronic inflammation, autoimmune disease, or infection |
Suppressed other immunoglobulins | Typical in myeloma, where one clone predominates |
κ/λ ratio imbalance | Suggests light chain disease or B-cell malignancy |
🧠 Associated Organs & Conditions
System | Conditions |
|---|---|
Hematologic | Multiple myeloma, MGUS, Waldenström macroglobulinemia, Primary amyloidosis |
Renal | Light chain deposition disease, myeloma kidney |
Immune system | Chronic infections, autoimmune disorders, HIV (polyclonal elevation) |
🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests
- Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) – Screening test to detect M-spike
- Serum Free Light Chains – To assess κ and λ levels
- Urine Bence-Jones Protein – Detects free light chains in urine
- Bone marrow biopsy – Confirms plasma cell dyscrasias
- Beta-2 microglobulin, Creatinine, Calcium – Prognostic markers in myeloma
✅ Fasting Required?
Test | Fasting Requirement |
|---|---|
Immunofixation (Quantitative) | ❌ No fasting required |
📝 Summary Table
Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
What | Identifies and quantifies monoclonal immunoglobulins (M proteins) in serum or urine |
Why | Diagnose and monitor plasma cell disorders (e.g., multiple myeloma) |
Normal Ranges | IgG: 700–1600 mg/dL, IgA: 70–400 mg/dL, IgM: 40–230 mg/dL |
Positive Finding | Monoclonal spike = Monoclonal gammopathy |
Follow-up Tests | SPEP, Free light chains, Bence-Jones protein, Bone marrow biopsy |
Associated Conditions | Myeloma, MGUS, Waldenström, amyloidosis |
Fasting Required | ❌ No |
How our test process works!
