Bence Jones Proteins

Question 1

What are BJPs

Answer 1

Excess free light chains produced by plasma cells in myeloma which overflow into the urine

Excess light chains from a monoclonal gammopathy found in urine

Question 2

How are BJPs measured

Answer 2

Urine electrophoresis

Question 3

What are the affects of BJPs?

Answer 3

Kidney damage

Question 4

How do BJPs cause kidney damage?

Answer 4

The composition of protein in the tubules or via tubular toxicity

Question 5

Who should undergo urine electrophoresis

Answer 5

All patients with queried myeloma
- they need electrophoresis on serum and urine

Question 6

How are urines queried for myeloma treated?
(3)

Answer 6

Urines first are screened for kappa and lambda monoclonal components

If positive for monoclonal kappa or lambda the urine sample is then concentrated using vivapore5 filter cartridges

The concentrated sample then goes for full electrophoresis to find out the causative heavy chain

Question 7

How is a urine sample concentrated for electrophoresis?

Answer 7

the urine sample is then concentrated using vivapore5 filter cartridges