Understanding and Identifying Monoclonal

Monoclonal gammopathies reflect conditions in which abnormal amounts of immunoglobulins are produced by a clone that developed from a single pro-B germ cell. The condition may reflect a disease process or be be-nign. The primary purpose of this review is to empha-size routine clinical laboratory techniques that currently are recommended for use in identifying monoclonal gammopathies from serum and urine. Selection of the preferred technique and correct interpretation often is dependent on an understanding of the immunological basis and clinical sequelae associated with these condi-tions. For this reason, we first briefly discuss the struc-ture, production, and nature of immunoglobulins, and then describe important features of the associated dis-eases. Finally, we discuss strengths and weaknesses o