Blood and urine tests

Blood and urine (wee) tests are used to diagnose and monitor myeloma and its effects on your body. We have listed some of the common blood and urine tests to help you better understand why these tests are performed.

If you have any questions questions about these tests, book a free call with our Specialist Myeloma Nurses.

Blood tests

Your paraprotein will be measured through a test called serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP). You’ll have your paraprotein measured regularly to see how you are responding to treatment. If you’re not on any treatment, your paraprotein will be checked for any increases that may need to be addressed. 

A free light chain test will be taken at the same time as your serum protein electrophoresis, and is used to measure your kappa and lambda light chain levels. An increase in light chains may be an indicator of myeloma, but can also increase for other reasons, such as an immune response to a vaccine.

A full blood count measures the makeup of important cells in your blood including red blood cells, which transport oxygen; white blood cells, which help fight infection; and platelets, which help your blood to clot.

The level of urea and creatinine in your blood will be measured to check your kidney function. These waste products are normally filtered out by your kidneys, and high levels can indicate poor kidney function.

Calcium is a mineral normally found in bone. If you have active bone disease due to myeloma, calcium is released from your bone into your bloodstream. Blood tests check for these higher levels of calcium in your blood, which is called hypercalcaemia.

Beta 2 microglobulin (ß2M) is a molecule that sits on the cell surface of a type of white cell (lymphocyte), which includes myeloma cells. An increased level of ß2M can be a sign that myeloma is active. 

Albumin is a type of protein that normally makes up most of the protein found in our blood. In myeloma, hormones (or cytokines) produced by the myeloma can suppress albumin production. This means that your albumin level can be another sign that your myeloma needs treatment. 

Lactate dehydrongenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in nearly all living cells. If cells are damaged by injury or disease, LDH is released into the bloodstream. Increased LDH can be a sign that myeloma is active. 

My doctor checks my bloods once a month. It’s nerve-racking waiting for the results, but it’s good to keep an eye on everything.

– Bob, Australian Capital Territory

Urine (wee) tests

A urine test may be used to check for myeloma cells, which are called Bence Jones protein when found in urine. Your urine might be collected as a small sample or a 24-hour urine collection, which involves collecting your urine at home over a 24-hour period.