Understanding Lab Tests for Multiple Myeloma
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that develops in plasma cells, which are white blood cells that normally produce antibodies to fight infections. In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells multiply uncontrollably and produce abnormal proteins instead of healthy antibodies. Blood and urine tests are fundamental for diagnosing this condition and monitoring its progression.
Top Recommended Test
Protein Electrophoresis, with Total Protein and Reflex to IFE, Serum
This comprehensive test is crucial for detecting abnormal protein patterns characteristic of multiple myeloma, specifically identifying monoclonal proteins (M proteins) produced by cancerous plasma cells. The reflex to immunofixation provides additional specificity for protein identification.
2907 reviews
How Blood Tests Diagnose Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma diagnosis relies heavily on laboratory testing because the cancerous plasma cells produce characteristic abnormal proteins called monoclonal proteins (M proteins). These proteins can be detected and measured through specialized blood and urine tests, making laboratory analysis a primary diagnostic tool for this blood cancer.
Other Relevant Tests
Kappa/Lambda Light Chains, Free with Ratio and Reflex to Immunofixation
This test measures free light chains in the blood and calculates the kappa/lambda ratio. In multiple myeloma, there is typically an overproduction of one type of light chain over the other, resulting in an abnormal ratio that helps confirm diagnosis and assess disease severity.
2907 reviews
Immunofixation, Serum
This highly sensitive test identifies and characterizes abnormal proteins or antibodies produced by cancerous plasma cells. It can detect monoclonal proteins that may not be visible on standard protein electrophoresis, making it essential for multiple myeloma diagnosis.
2907 reviews
Immunoglobulins Panel, Serum
This panel measures levels of different immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) in the blood. Multiple myeloma often causes elevated levels of one specific immunoglobulin type while suppressing others, providing important diagnostic information about the disease.
2907 reviews
Beta-2 Microglobulin, Serum
Patients with multiple myeloma typically have increased levels of Beta-2 Microglobulin due to excessive production by cancer cells. This test is important for staging the disease and assessing prognosis.
2907 reviews
Additional Monitoring and Specialized Tests
Immunofixation (IFE), Urine
This urine test detects abnormal monoclonal proteins (M proteins) that may be filtered into the urine. It's particularly important for identifying Bence Jones proteins, which are light chains commonly found in multiple myeloma patients' urine.
2907 reviews
Protein Electrophoresis and Kappa/Lambda Light Chains
This combined test evaluates protein patterns and light chain ratios simultaneously, providing comprehensive information about abnormal protein production and clonal plasma cell proliferation characteristic of multiple myeloma.
2907 reviews
Viscosity, Serum
Multiple myeloma can cause overproduction of monoclonal proteins, which increases blood viscosity. This test helps assess the impact of abnormal proteins on blood flow and guides treatment decisions.
2907 reviews
Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Serum
IL-6 acts as a growth factor for myeloma cells. Elevated serum IL-6 levels often indicate active disease and progression, making this test valuable for monitoring disease activity and treatment response.
2907 reviews
Surface Light Chains
This specialized test detects excess light chains produced by abnormal plasma cells in multiple myeloma. These light chains can cause organ damage, particularly to the kidneys, making monitoring essential for patient care.
2907 reviews
Understanding Your Results
Multiple myeloma testing involves complex protein analysis that requires expert interpretation. Abnormal results may indicate the presence of monoclonal proteins, altered immunoglobulin levels, or abnormal light chain ratios. These findings, combined with clinical symptoms and additional testing, help healthcare providers make an accurate diagnosis and develop appropriate treatment plans.
Important Considerations
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Multiple myeloma is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention and specialized care. Always consult with a healthcare provider or hematologist-oncologist for proper diagnosis, interpretation of test results, and treatment recommendations.
