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Departments of
1
Hematology and
2 Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
aAddress correspondence to this author at: Department of Clinical Biochemistry, KB 3011 Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. Fax 45-45352524; e-mail larsbo{at}rh.dk.
Background: Quantification of free monoclonal light chains in urine [Bence Jones proteins (BJPs)] is used to diagnose multiple myeloma and to evaluate response to treatment. We have developed and evaluated an optimized approach for quantification of BJPs.
Methods: High-resolution gel electrophoresis of unconcentrated urine and albumin calibrators was carried out on Sebias Hydrasys instrument with Hydragel HR agarose gels. After staining with acid violet, the gels were scanned densitometrically. The staining intensities of BJP bands relative to the staining intensities of albumin solutions were used to determine the BJP concentrations. Results for patient samples were compared with conventional agarose gel electrophoresis on concentrated samples.
Results: The relationships between staining intensity and the protein concentrations of albumin and BJPs were linear up to protein concentrations of
2000 mg/L. The detection limit was
20 mg/L. The interassay imprecision (CV) was
8% (n = 23, duplicate analysis), and the results (y) showed a close positive relationship to the comparison method: slope = 0.82 (confidence interval, 0.75-0.88); y-intercept = 34 (-14 to 81) mg/L; n = 29; r2 = 0.96.
Conclusions: Agarose gel electrophoresis of unconcentrated urine samples together with a series of albumin calibrators followed by acid violet staining and densitometric scanning is sufficiently reproducible and sensitive to quantify clinically relevant BJPs.
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