Download Laboratory Medicine Update June 7 2011

University of Virginia Health System
Medical Laboratories
“Quality You Expect, Service You Deserve”
LABORATORY MEDICINE UPDATE
June 7, 2011
Discontinuation of Total Kappa and Total Lambda Light Chain Assays
Quantitative measurements of total kappa and lambda light chains are no longer recommended as
part of the workup for plasma cell disorders. Accordingly, we are discontinuing these assays and
recommend free kappa and free lambda assays (1), which are currently orderable, in addition to
serum/urine protein electrophoresis and quantitative immunoglobulin determinations. When
evidence of abnormal immunoglobulins is identified by protein electrophoresis, immunofixation
will be performed to determine the monoclonal heavy and light chain components.
1. Dispenzieri A, Kyle R, Merlini G et al. International Myeloma Working Group guidelines for
serum-free light chain analysis in multiple myeloma and related disorders. Leukemia.
2009;23:215-24.
New Link to Laboratory Test Handbook
Due to recent Web changes, the direct link to the Clinical Pathology test listing is now:
http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/alive/medlabs/LabTestSearch/LabTests_Search.cfm
New Coagulation Tests in Core Laboratory
The Coagulation Laboratory now offers testing to assess platelet inhibition due to Aspirin and
P2Y12 inhibitors such as clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticlopidine. A special Greiner citrated blue
top is required for collection of blood for these assays. If you need to acquire a Greiner blue top
tube for collection, please call Medical Laboratories Customer Service at 4-LABS (4-5227) for
the special tubes and collection instructions.
For questions regarding the assay, please call the Special Coagulation Laboratory at 4-8007.
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