Pregnancy SmartSiteTM
DefinitionUrine immunofixation is a test to look for abnormal proteins in urine. How the Test is PerformedYou will need to supply a clean-catch (midstream) urine sample.
For an infant:
It may take more than one try to get a sample from an infant. An active baby can move the bag, so that the urine goes into the diaper. Check the infant often and change the bag after the urine has been collected. Drain the urine from the bag into the container given to you by your provider. Deliver the sample to the lab or your provider as soon as possible after it is done. How to Prepare for the TestNo special steps are necessary for this test. How the Test will FeelThe test involves only normal urination. There is no discomfort. Why the Test is PerformedThis test is most often used to check for the presence of certain proteins called monoclonal immunoglobulins. These proteins are linked to multiple myeloma and Waldenström macroglobulinemia. The test is also done with a blood test to check for a monoclonal immunoglobulin in the serum. Normal ResultsHaving no monoclonal immunoglobulins in the urine is a normal result. What Abnormal Results MeanThe presence of monoclonal proteins may indicate:
ConsiderationsImmunofixation is similar to urine immunoelectrophoresis, but it may give more rapid results. ReferencesCastillo JJ, Treon SP. Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 92. McPherson RA, Riley RS, Massey HD. Laboratory evaluation of immunoglobulin function and humoral immunity. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 47. Rajkumar SV, Dispenzieri A. Multiple myeloma and related disorders. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 101. | |
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Review Date: 1/25/2023 Reviewed By: Neil J. Gonter, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University, NY and private practice specializing in Rheumatology at Rheumatology Associates of North Jersey, Teaneck, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |