Immunofixation - serum
Serum immunofixation is a laboratory technique used to identify proteins, or antibodies, in blood.
Why is the Test Performed?
This test is most often used to check the levels of certain antibodies associated with multiple myeloma and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.Those antibodies include IgG, IgM, IgA, lambda light chain forms, and kappa light chain forms.
Immunofixation has also been used to study changes in protein structure (for example, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase), and in the genetic typing of alpha-1 antitrypsin.
How is the Test Performed?
Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
Immunofixation uses antibodies to identify the types of proteins or antibodies separated by protein electrophoresis.
Preparation for the Test
There is no special preparation for this test.
How will the Test Feel?
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Immunofixation - serum Risks
There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Normal Results for Immunofixation - serum
Monoclonal immunoglobulins are not present.
What Abnormal Results Mean
The presence of monoclonal proteins may indicate:
- Immune system disorders such as multiple myeloma or Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia
- Cancer
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Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Copyright 2011 A.D.A.M., Inc.
