Urine Protein Electrophoresis (BJP)

Diagnostic Use

Urine proteins can be grouped into 5 fractions by electrophoresis: albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta-globulin and gamma-globulin.
The urine total protein concentration, the electrophoretic pattern, and the presence of a monoclonal immunoglobulin light chain may be characteristic of monoclonal gammopathies such as multiple myeloma, primary systemic amyloidosis, and light-chain deposition disease.
Immunoglobulin heavy chain fragments as well as free light chains may be seen in the urine of patients with monoclonal gammopathies.

Department

Protein Lab

Delphic Registration Code

BJP

Synonyms

BJP
Bence Jones Protein
UPEP

Turnaround Time

1 week

Test Code

3213

Specimen Type

• Urine

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Pottle

Acceptable

• Pottle
• 24hr Urine Container

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

20

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

10

No of Samples Required

1

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Urine

Minimum Volume (ml)

20

Transport to Lab

Ambient (8 - 24 degrees Celsius)
Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Refrigerated transport is preferred.

Interpretation

Urine protein electrophoresis alone is not considered an adequate screening for monoclonal gammopathies, and in most cases immunofixation will be performed as well.

A characteristic monoclonal band (M-band) is often found in the urine of patients with monoclonal gammopathies. The initial identification of an M-band will be followed by immunofixation to identify the immunoglobulin heavy chain and/or light chain.

Immunoglobulin heavy chain fragments as well as free light chains may be seen in the urine of patients with monoclonal gammopathies.

Reference Intervals

If a 24 hour urine is supplied total protein and BJP (if present) will be reported in mg/24 h.

Random urines will have BJP (if present) expressed relative to urine creatinine in g/mol.

Test Method

Urine Electrophoresis: Agarose gel electrophoresis with acid blue staining.
Urine Immunofixation: Agarose gel with acid violet staining.

Non-Funded Test Cost

$92.49 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

3213

Contact Information

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