Urine Immunofixation Electrophoresis Quantitative

Function

Urine Immunofixation Electrophoresis (IFE) is a sensitive laboratory technique used to identify specific types of proteins called immunoglobulins (antibodies) in the urine. While standard protein tests might show total protein, IFE 'fixes' these proteins using specific antibodies to see if there is a 'monoclonal' (identical) population, which suggests a single clone of plasma cells is overproducing them.

Why it is Ordered

This test is a critical diagnostic tool when a physician suspects Multiple Myeloma, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, or Amyloidosis. It is specifically used to detect Bence-Jones proteins (free light chains) in the urine, which may not show up on a standard blood protein electrophoresis because they are small enough to be filtered rapidly by the kidneys.

Associated Conditions

• Multiple Myeloma: A cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow.
• MGUS: Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance.
• AL Amyloidosis: A condition where abnormal proteins build up in organs.
• B-cell Lymphomas: Certain lymphomas can produce monoclonal proteins.