title: Old but Still Relevant: High Resolution Electrophoresis and Immunofixation in Multiple Myeloma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  High resolution electrophoresis (HRE) and immunofixation (IFX) of serum and urine are integral to the diagnostic work-up of multiple myeloma. Unusual electrophoresis patterns are common and may be misinterpreted. Though primarily the responsibility of the hematopathologist, clinicians who are responsible for managing myelomas may benefit from knowledge of these. In this review article we intend to discuss the patterns and importance of electrophoresis in present day scenario.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patterns of HRE and IFX seen in our laboratory over the past 15 years were studied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Monoclonal proteins are seen on HRE as sharply defined bands, sometimes two, lying from γ- to α-globulin regions on a background of normal, increased or decreased polyclonal γ-globulins, showing HRE to be a rapid and dependable method of detecting M-protein in serum or urine. Immunofixation complements HRE and due to its greater sensitivity, is able to pick up small or light chain bands, not apparent on electrophoresis, including biclonal disease even when electrophoresis shows only one M-band. Special features liable to misinterpretation are discussed. Familiarity with the interpretation of the varied patterns seen in health and disease is essential for providing dependable laboratory support in the management of multiple myeloma.
authors: Room No. 423, 4th Floor, Laboratory Oncology, Dr. BRA-IRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110006 India.
authors: Aroonima
authors: A
authors: Misra
authors: Room No. 423, 4th Floor, Laboratory Oncology, Dr. BRA-IRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110006 India.
authors: Jyoti
authors: J
authors: Mishra
authors: Room No. 423, 4th Floor, Laboratory Oncology, Dr. BRA-IRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110006 India.
authors: Jagan
authors: J
authors: Chandramohan
authors: Medical Oncology, Dr.BRA-IRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
authors: Atul
authors: A
authors: Sharma
authors: Medical Oncology, Dr.BRA-IRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
authors: Vinod
authors: V
authors: Raina
authors: Room No. 423, 4th Floor, Laboratory Oncology, Dr. BRA-IRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110006 India.
authors: Rajive
authors: R
authors: Kumar
authors: Room No. 423, 4th Floor, Laboratory Oncology, Dr. BRA-IRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110006 India.
authors: Sushant
authors: S
authors: Soni
authors: Room No. 423, 4th Floor, Laboratory Oncology, Dr. BRA-IRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110006 India.
authors: Anita
authors: A
authors: Chopra
keywords: High resolution electrophoresis; Immunofixation; Myeloma