Tests

Tests for myeloma:

• Serum protein electrophoresis - to detect a paraprotein or myeloma protein in the blood.
• Paraprotein level in blood
• Immunoglobulin (antibody) levels in the blood- the uninvolved immunoglobulins are typically reduced in myeloma, resulting in impaired immune function and increasing risk of infections.
• Serum Free Light Chain test – measures light chains and is especially useful in picking up non-secretory myelomas and monitoring light chain myeloma.
• Urine tests – in myeloma ‘Bence-Jones protein’ or ‘paraprotein’ or ’myeloma protein’ may be found in the urine.
• Bone Marrow Aspiration or Biopsy – a sample of bone marrow is taken from the breast bone or hip so plasma cells can be examined
• Plain X-ray survey of the skeleton – will show bone damage caused by myeloma.
• CT or MRI scans may be used in selected patients to look at myeloma bone damage or the extent of a plasmacytoma in more detail or to look for the possibility of spinal cord compression.

Tests for organ damage:

Blood tests

• U+E test measures kidney function, kidney function may be affected by myeloma
• FBC checks the components of blood and show whether bone marrow is functioning normally
• LFT – liver function tests
• Blood calcium level may show raised levels of calcium in myeloma.

Amended February 2009