EXAM 2 Flashcards
(305 cards)
Bense Jones protein test aka
Immunoglobulin light chain urine test
What are BJ (bence jones proteins)?
Small light chains of immunoglobulin produced by Neoplastic plasma cells
Are BJ proteins detected with routine urinalysis?
NO
What can detect BJ proteins?
Immunoelectrophoresis of urine
What does the presence of BJ proteins mean?
Presence of abnormal growth of plasma cells in the body (serious disorders)
What 4 big diseases are associated with Bence Jones Proteins?
1) Multiple Myeloma
2) Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
3) Lymphoma
4) Metastatic lytic bone lesions
What are the 3 (unbolded) diseases associated with Bence Jones proteins?
- Waldenstrom’s
- End stage of renal failure
- Amyloidosis
What is Multiple Myeloma?
A cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell normally responsible for producing antibodies
Where do abnormal plasma cells accumulate in Multiple Myeloma?
In the bone marrow, where they interfere with the production of normal blood cells
Most cases of multiple Myeloma also feature ______
The production of BJ protein which causes kidney problems
Common symptoms of multiple Myeloma:
CRAB
C = Calcium R = Renal failure A = Anemia B = Bone lesions
What are 3 clinical manifestations of Multiple Myeloma?
1) Bone pain
2) Fractures of bones due to lytic processes
3) Low counts of RBC, WBC, and platelets
What happens to the kidneys during Multiple Myeloma?
They can be damaged by the tubulopathic effects of proteins or BJ light chains
What are the nervous system symptoms of Multiple Myeloma?
Stroke like manifestations, numbness, and weakness
What does HCG stand for?
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
What is (HCG) Human Chorionic Gonadotropin?
It is a hormone produced by placenta or malignant tumors
When will HCG be NORMALLY present in the urine?
Only during the pregnancy
HCG is found in the urine of males or non-pregnant females in what disorders?
- Testicullar (seminoma) and ovarian cancers
- Teratoma **
- Choriocarcinoma (malignant trophoblastic cancer, usually of the placenta)
What types of cancers will you see when HCG is present in urine?
Stomach, pancreas, lungs, and liver
What would LOW levels of HCG in women represent?
Miscarriage, death of baby or embryo, or ectopic pregnancy
What disease can HIGH BLOOD level HCG be used as a screening for?
Screening of Down’s syndrome between 15-20 weeks of pregnancy
(It does NOT indicate 100% presence of disease *** )
What test is used to determine B12 deficiency?
Schilling’s
What 3 diseases will Schilling’s test be a great indicator of?
1) Megaloblastic anemia (pernicious anemia)
2) Nervous system pathology due to Vitamin B12 deficiency
3) General malabsorption syndrome whether the body adequately absorbs Vitamin B12
How can Schilling’s Test be performed?
May be performed in 4 different stages to find the cause of low absorption of Vitamin B12