Audit of investigation and follow-up of patients with raised monoclonal proteins.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the adequacy of investigation and later review of patients with serum monoclonal proteins detected in our laboratory.


METHODS
To review all monoclonal proteins detected and to search through the laboratory computerized records for evidence of further investigation and later review.


RESULTS
Nine per cent of monoclonal proteins detected were not followed up at all. A urine examination to detect Bence-Jones protein was not requested in 12% of those regularly followed up. The mean age of the patients studied was 69 years, but there were eight patients under 60 years who had multiple myeloma.
Young
B
B
Hunter Immunology Unit, Royal Newcastle Hospital, New South Wales.
Gleeson
M
M
D000368:Aged; D001536:Bence Jones Protein / Q000097:blood; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009517:New South Wales; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / Q000032:analysis*
D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell; D001536:Bence Jones Protein