Simple screening of Bence-Jones proteins from unconcentrated urine

A rapid, sensitive and simple method is provided for detecting Bence-Jones proteins in unconcentrated urine by electrosyneresis. This is based on the fact that the free light-chains, similar to the intact immunoglobulin molecules, form complexes with albumin under the effect of glutaraldehyde. Consequently, the originally cathode-oriented Bence-Jones proteins will also migrate toward the anode against the corresponding specific immunoserum. At a 200 mg/ml excretion rate of the free light-chain (corresponding to 0.3 mg/24 h Bence-Jones protein in 1500 ml daily urine) the reaction is still readily assessed. The method presented here meets the requirements of a routine clinical laboratory.