title: Evaluation of the new Behring Nephelometer in the measurement of M proteins.
abstract: The Behring Nephelometer is a new automatic analyzer designed for the measurement of specific proteins. The authors evaluated the nephelometer in the determination of M proteins as compared with immunodiffusion and cellulose acetate electrophoresis. In addition, the effects of sample dilution and antigen excess on the nephelometric measurement of M proteins were studied in 24 patient samples containing a single monoclonal IgG, IgA, or IgM M component. Immunodiffusion cannot be recommended for the determination of M proteins. Nephelometry and protein electrophoresis gave similar results with few exceptions. Sera with immunoglobulin monomer-oligomer pairs involve difficulties in serum electrophoresis. In certain cases, special care must be taken to adjust the nephelometric measurement of the M protein to the most accurate part of the calibration curve. All in all, the new Behring Nephelometer proved precise and reliable in M protein determination without risk of antigen excess.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Microbiology, Tampere, University Central Hospital, Finland.
authors.forename: P I
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Vuorinen
authors.forename: E T
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Soppi
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Laine
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Mörsky
mesh_terms: D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D004588:Electrophoresis, Cellulose Acetate; D006801:Humans; D005779:Immunodiffusion; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D009194:Myeloma Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D009391:Nephelometry and Turbidimetry / Q000295:instrumentation*
chemical_list: D001798:Blood Proteins; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D007136:Immunoglobulins; C009823:M-proteins (Myeloma); D009194:Myeloma Proteins