A urine test may be used to check for the Bence Jones protein, which is the light chain part of paraprotein. About one-third of people with myeloma make enough Bence Jones protein for it to show in the urine.
For this test, you may be asked to collect your urine in a large bottle over a 24-hour period. If the Bence Jones protein is detected, you may have regular urine tests to monitor the myeloma and check how well treatment is working.
Your doctor may also recommend that you have a specialised blood test called the serum free light chain assay. This test may be done as well as, or instead of, a urine test, because the Bence Jones protein cannot be detected in a standard blood test.
→ READ MORE: Bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy
Podcast: Tests and Cancer
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Dr Ian Bilmon, Haematologist, Westmead Hospital and The Sydney Adventist Hospital; Martin Boling, Consumer; Catherine Bowley, Myeloma Support Nurse, Myeloma Australia; Dr Samuel Dickson, Radiation Oncologist, Calvary Mater Newcastle; Rachelle Frith, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Haematology, Prince of Wales Hospital; Dr Wojt Janowski, Haematologist, Calvary Mater Newcastle; Yvonne King, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW.
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