Visit preparation
What should be checked after an M protein is found in your blood?
Ask a haematologist to review the M protein report. Further blood, urine, bone marrow or imaging tests depend on the findings.
Check which test was positive
The 2025 Chinese consensus lists serum protein electrophoresis, immunofixation and serum free light chain testing for screening. M protein is a monoclonal immunoglobulin or a fragment of one. “M spike,” “IgG kappa” and “kappa/lambda ratio” can appear on adjacent pages and answer different questions. (Chinese expert consensus on screening for monoclonal immunoglobulins and their clinical use, 2025)
If you only have a screenshot, find the full report. Check the sample date, method, units and reference range. Your doctor needs to distinguish a change in the same test from results that measure different things.
What separates an abnormal test from a diagnosis?
The Chinese consensus distinguishes monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smouldering myeloma and active myeloma. All three can produce abnormal proteins. The assessment considers abnormal plasma cells in the marrow, organ damage attributable to the condition and other myeloma-defining findings. Calcium, kidney function, anaemia and bone lesions are assessed. Anaemia or raised creatinine can have other causes. (Chinese expert consensus on screening for monoclonal immunoglobulins and their clinical use, 2025)
Some people need repeat blood and urine tests before a follow-up plan is made. Others need marrow tests and imaging. The Cancer Institute of the Chinese Institutes for Medical Research describes these as separate parts of the assessment. Your haematologist decides which are needed.
| Test | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) | Whether there is an abnormal peak and the amount of M protein when measurable |
| Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) | The protein type, such as IgG kappa |
| Serum free light chains (sFLC) | The levels and ratio of kappa and lambda free light chains |
Chinese expert consensus on screening for monoclonal immunoglobulins and their clinical use, 2025
Which records should I share with haematology?
The institute lists a blood count, creatinine and calcium among the blood tests. Arrange your electrophoresis, immunofixation and free light chain reports by date. Include those blood tests and any marrow findings you already have. Mention persistent bone pain, fractures or changes in kidney function. If reports need translation, retain kappa and lambda, the original values and units. See how to check records before sending them. (Cancer Institute of the Chinese Institutes for Medical Research: Tests and diagnosis for multiple myeloma)
Ask which findings support a specific diagnosis and whether you need additional tests or scheduled follow-up. If follow-up is recommended, record the tests and how to return the results together.
Frequently asked questions
Can an overseas M protein result be compared directly with a repeat test in China?
Ask the haematologist to check the methods, units and original reports. Results from different methods may not be directly comparable.
Need help?
Tell us about your situation and needs. Incomplete records are welcome.