Rational use of free immunoglobulin light chain analysis

Wednesday, July 30
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
Room: Hyde Park A
Sponsored by Helena Laboratories Corporation

Overview

Plasma cells usually synthesize more light chains than heavy chains. Excess free light chains are detectable in serum and urine. Immunoassays have been established for quantification of free light chains. Monoclonal nature of free light chains can be established by (a) serum and urine immunofixation electrophoresis; (b) mass spectrometric analysis. Only monoclonal light chains are pathogenic, and no disease appears to be caused by excess free polyclonal light chains. Indications for serum free light chain quantification will be critically analyzed and enhanced sensitivity methods for monoclonal free light chains in serum and urine will be discussed.

Moderator

Robert Galen, MD, MPH
Professor Emeritus Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Georgia - College of Public Health

Speaker(s)

Gurmukh Singh, MD, PhD
Shepeard Chair in Clinical Pathology, Augusta University