B Young1, M Gleeson. 1. Hunter Immunology Unit, Royal Newcastle Hospital, New South Wales.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the adequacy of investigation and later review of patients with serum monoclonal proteins detected in our laboratory. METHOD: To review all monoclonal proteins detected and to search through the laboratory computerized records for evidence of further investigation and later review. RESULTS: Nine per cent of monoclonal proteins detected were not followed up at all. A urine examination to detect Bence-Jones protein was not requested in 12% of those regularly followed up. The mean age of the patients studied was 69 years, but there were eight patients under 60 years who had multiple myeloma.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the adequacy of investigation and later review of patients with serum monoclonal proteins detected in our laboratory. METHOD: To review all monoclonal proteins detected and to search through the laboratory computerized records for evidence of further investigation and later review. RESULTS: Nine per cent of monoclonal proteins detected were not followed up at all. A urine examination to detect Bence-Jones protein was not requested in 12% of those regularly followed up. The mean age of the patients studied was 69 years, but there were eight patients under 60 years who had multiple myeloma.