Laboratory Medicine
Test Directory / Bence Jones Protein
Bence Jones Protein
White topped universal (no additives)
| Test | Bence Jones Protein |
|---|---|
| Common Abbreviations | BJP, Also known as Urine Electrophoresis, Urine Paraprotein, Urine Free Light Chains (FLC) |
| Profile | NA |
| Tube type | White topped universal (no additives) |
| Clinical Indication | BJP should be used alongside serum protein electrophoresis in the diagnosis of myeloma and other paraprotein disorders. This is particularly important in patients with renal impairment as certain paraproteins are present only in urine and not serum (typically free light chains). |
| Specimen Type | Urine |
| Sample type | Random Urine |
| Minimum Volume | 1mL |
| Special Precautions | No special requirements |
| Stability | 7 days at 2-8°C |
| Turnaround Time | Inpatient: 4 days Outpatient/ GP: 4 days May be longer if additional tests are required |
| Laboratory | York |
| Reference Interval | Interpretative result provided |
| Limitations | Boric acid intereferes with detection of BJP and cannot be used as a preservative . Paraproteins at very low concentration may not be visible, especially if obscured by heavy proteinuria. Urines with high salt concentrations may cause gel deformation during the migration and hence distortion of the migration profiles. |
| Notes |
