Understand the role of serum free light chains (FLC) in monoclonal gammopathies
Learn how FLC measurement complements serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation/immunotyping for the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma.
Abstract
Measurement of serum free light chains (FLC) is an important part of the diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathies.
Together with serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation/immunotyping, FLC measurement is part of international guidelines, notably for the aid of diagnosis and monitoring of patients with multiple myeloma.
This workshop recorded during the 25th WorldLab / EuromedLab (2023) focuses on the use of the sebia FLC ELISA assay for the determination of serum free light chains.
Dr. Orth talks about his routine experience and addresses analytical challenges such as antigen excess and polymerization, usually met with nephelometry and turbidimetry methods. He introduces the main analytical advantages associated with ELISA testing and specifically Sebia assays for FLC quantification.
The workflow in the laboratory routine is considered as well as the assay performance.
The switch management from a clinical standpoint between two different methods is also discussed.
What will you learn?
Explore the analytical advantages of ELISA-based FLC testing
Discover how the Sebia FLC ELISA assay addresses common challenges encountered with nephelometry and turbidimetry, including antigen excess and polymerization.
Evaluate implementation and clinical transition strategies
Review laboratory workflow considerations, assay performance, and key factors when transitioning from one FLC measurement method to another in clinical practice.
The most important part is to calculate the ratio of these free light chains
About Dr. Matthias Orth
Dr. Matthias Orth, MD, PhD, is Head of Laboratory Medicine at Marienhospital Stuttgart, Germany. He is an experienced clinical laboratory specialist with expertise in clinical chemistry, plasma cell disorders, and the laboratory diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathies.
Dr. Orth's work focuses on the implementation and evaluation of advanced diagnostic assays, including serum free light chain (FLC) testing, protein electrophoresis, immunofixation, and immunotyping for the detection and monitoring of multiple myeloma and related disorders. His research and clinical practice have contributed to a better understanding of the analytical challenges associated with FLC measurement, including antigen excess, polymerization, assay standardization, and method comparison.
As a recognized expert in laboratory medicine, Dr. Orth is actively involved in optimizing the use of innovative technologies in routine laboratory workflows to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management in hematological diseases.
Test associated with this resource
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