During immunoglobulin synthesis more light chains than heavy chains are produced and free light chains are secreted into the plasma along with intact immunoglobulin. Bence Jones protein is monoclonal immunoglobulin light chain protein. BJP (monoclonal light chains) and polyclonal immunoglobulin light chains are metabolized by the kidney by glomerular filtration, proximal renal tubular absorption and catabolism within the renal tubular cells. About 0.5g/day of free light chain is secreted into serum in a healthy subject. The kidney actually can reabsorb 10 to 30g/day of free light chain so in a healthy individual no free light chain passes through the kidney and into urine. When there is increased synthesis of immunoglobulins (polyclonal or monoclonal) and when the tubular absorption is saturated, filtered free light chain are excreted into the urine and can be detected using urine protein electrophoresis. It is important to test both blood and urine in the investigation of Multiple Myeloma.
Tube
Plain Universal
ID
12754
Availability
Weekdays.
Additional Information
Urine is screened for BJP by electrophoresis and any BJP thought to be present is typed by immunofixation. For a complete Myeloma Screen please send in addition a serum gel blood sample for serum protein electrophoresis. The presence of significant amounts of Bence Jones Proteinuria are indicative of malignant B cell proliferation. Small amounts may occur with benign B cell proliferation, or transiently in viral infection or following bone marrow transplantation.
Turn Around
7 days.
Send to
Leeds General Infirmary
Clinical Immunology
Old Medical School
Great George Street
Leeds
LS1 3EX
Collection Con
Please note Boric Acid is NOT suitable Please send in addition an immunology (red/yellow) blood sample for serum protein electrophoresis.
Frequency
Daily.
Sample REQ
Urine.
Ref. Range (Male)
NA – Interpretive.
Ref. Range (Female)
NA – Interpretive.
Ref. Range (Paed)
NA – Interpretive.
Ref. Range Notes
negative/positive for Bence Jones Protein.
Units
NA
IP Acute TAT
Contact Laboratory.
IP Routine TAT
7 days.
GP Acute TAT
Contact Laboratory.
GP Routine TAT
7 days.