Understanding the Constraints and Optimization of Serum Immunofixation Electrophoresis and Serum Free Light Chains for Detecting Monoclonal Proteins: A Single-Center Experience

Abstract Background Serum immunofixation electrophoresis (SIFE) and serum free light chain (SFLC) assay are imperative investigations in diagnosis follow-up of multiple myeloma (MM). SFLC assays reported to have higher sensitivity than SIFE. However, discrepancies been between them. The current study was aimed at assessing concordance discordance SIFE results MM. Methods A total 450 observations both were obtained from treatment-naive MM patients. Results One hundred twenty-nine (28.7%) values observed as discordant, that is, positive with normal ratio or negative abnormal (p-value < 0.00001). Proportion positive-SFLC cases negative-SFLC cases. Discordance more frequent Conclusion Negative alone may not be reliable for follow-up. Algorithm based on measurements each till attainment ratio. Once normalizes, done If is positive, further initiated.