[Analytical interference caused by monoclonal immunoglobulin M with cryoglobulin effect: a case report]

Area of Science:

• Clinical Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Laboratory Medicine

Background:

• Monoclonal immunoglobulins are common in clinical biochemistry laboratories.
• These proteins can cause unpredictable analytical interferences, complicating test interpretation.

Observation:

• A case report details a monoclonal immunoglobulin M exhibiting a cryoglobulin effect.
• This specific immunoglobulin precipitated entirely during protein electrophoresis.

Findings:

• The precipitation of monoclonal immunoglobulin M resulted in a false-negative or inaccurate protein electrophoresis result.
• Cryoglobulin effects associated with monoclonal immunoglobulins are a significant source of analytical error.

Implications:

• Clinicians must be aware of potential interferences from paraproteins like monoclonal immunoglobulins.
• Collaboration between clinicians and laboratories is crucial when unexpected results arise, especially those potentially caused by monoclonal proteins.