Question 1

What is Multiple Myeloma?

Accepted Answer

Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that develops in plasma cells, the white blood cells responsible for producing antibodies. It is caused by the uncontrolled multiplication of cancerous plasma cells that produce abnormal monoclonal proteins (M proteins) instead of healthy antibodies. The Protein Electrophoresis with Total Protein and Reflex to IFE, Serum is the most important test for diagnosing multiple myeloma because it detects characteristic abnormal protein patterns.

Question 2

What causes multiple myeloma?

Accepted Answer

Multiple myeloma is caused by genetic mutations in plasma cells that lead to uncontrolled growth and reproduction of these cells in the bone marrow. While the exact trigger for these mutations is not fully understood, the cancerous plasma cells begin producing abnormal monoclonal proteins (M proteins) instead of functional antibodies. Risk factors that may contribute include age over 65, family history of the disease, exposure to radiation or certain chemicals, and weakened immune system conditions.

Question 3

What is the best test for multiple myeloma?

Accepted Answer

The Protein Electrophoresis with Total Protein and Reflex to IFE, Serum is the most important test for multiple myeloma because it detects the characteristic abnormal protein patterns produced by cancerous plasma cells, specifically identifying monoclonal proteins (M proteins). The test includes a reflex to immunofixation electrophoresis, which provides additional specificity for identifying the exact type of abnormal protein. The Kappa/Lambda Light Chains, Free with Ratio and Reflex to Immunofixation is another essential test that measures the ratio of free light chains in the blood, which is typically abnormal in multiple myeloma patients. Together, these tests provide comprehensive protein analysis that confirms diagnosis and helps assess disease severity.

Question 4

When should I get tested for multiple myeloma?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent bone pain (especially in the back or ribs), unexplained fatigue and weakness, frequent infections, unexplained weight loss, or if routine blood work shows elevated protein levels or anemia. Testing is also important if you have a condition called MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance), which can progress to multiple myeloma. Early detection through blood testing is crucial because multiple myeloma often develops gradually, and symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of multiple myeloma?

Accepted Answer

Multiple myeloma symptoms include bone pain and fractures (particularly in the spine, ribs, and hips), extreme fatigue due to anemia, frequent infections from weakened immunity, unexplained weight loss, excessive thirst and urination from elevated calcium levels, and kidney problems. Some people also experience numbness or weakness in the legs, confusion, and nausea. Many patients have no symptoms in early stages and are diagnosed through abnormal findings on routine blood tests. The severity and combination of symptoms vary widely among individuals.

Question 6

Who is at risk for multiple myeloma?

Accepted Answer

Risk factors for multiple myeloma include age over 65 (most cases occur in people older than 60), being male, African American ethnicity (twice the risk compared to whites), family history of multiple myeloma or MGUS, history of MGUS (precursor condition), obesity, and exposure to radiation or certain chemicals like pesticides or petroleum products. People with weakened immune systems or chronic inflammatory conditions may also have increased risk. However, many people diagnosed with multiple myeloma have no identifiable risk factors.

Question 7

What happens if multiple myeloma is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated multiple myeloma leads to serious complications including severe bone damage with pathological fractures, kidney failure from abnormal protein buildup, severe anemia causing extreme fatigue and heart problems, hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) causing confusion and kidney damage, increased susceptibility to life-threatening infections, spinal cord compression from vertebral collapse, and blood hyperviscosity syndrome from excessive protein production. The disease is progressive and ultimately fatal without treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve quality of life and extend survival.

Question 8

Can multiple myeloma be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests are the primary diagnostic tools for multiple myeloma. Protein electrophoresis detects abnormal monoclonal proteins, free light chain tests reveal abnormal kappa/lambda ratios, immunofixation identifies specific abnormal proteins, and immunoglobulin panels show imbalanced antibody levels characteristic of the disease. Blood tests also reveal secondary effects like anemia, elevated calcium, kidney dysfunction, and elevated beta-2 microglobulin. While bone marrow biopsy and imaging studies confirm diagnosis and staging, blood tests provide crucial initial evidence and are used for ongoing monitoring throughout treatment.

Question 9

How is multiple myeloma treated?

Accepted Answer

Multiple myeloma treatment includes targeted therapy drugs (proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs), chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, stem cell transplantation using the patient's own cells after high-dose chemotherapy, radiation therapy for bone pain and tumors, and supportive care including bisphosphonates for bone health, antibiotics for infection prevention, and blood transfusions for anemia. Treatment approach depends on disease stage, symptoms, age, and overall health. Many patients undergo induction therapy followed by stem cell transplant and maintenance therapy. While not curable, modern treatments often achieve long remission periods.

Question 10

How can I prevent multiple myeloma?

Accepted Answer

There is no proven way to prevent multiple myeloma because the exact causes are unknown. However, you can reduce risk by maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, avoiding exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals like pesticides and benzene when possible, managing conditions that affect immune function, and getting regular health checkups. If you have MGUS, regular monitoring with blood tests every 6-12 months allows early detection if progression occurs. While family history cannot be changed, awareness allows for earlier screening and detection in high-risk individuals.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support multiple myeloma treatment?

Accepted Answer

Home support for multiple myeloma includes staying well-hydrated (8-10 glasses of water daily) to protect kidneys, eating a nutrient-rich diet with adequate protein and calcium, engaging in gentle weight-bearing exercise to maintain bone strength while avoiding injury, getting adequate rest to combat fatigue, practicing good hygiene to prevent infections, managing pain with prescribed medications and heat therapy, and avoiding crowds and sick people during treatment. Emotional support through counseling, support groups, and stress-reduction techniques like meditation is also valuable. Always coordinate home care strategies with your medical team and report new symptoms promptly.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Multiple Myeloma Blood Test

What is Multiple Myeloma?

What causes multiple myeloma?

What is the best test for multiple myeloma?

When should I get tested for multiple myeloma?

References

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