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 be measurable in urine.
For this test, you may be asked to collect your urine in a container over a 24-hour period. If the Bence Jones protein shows up, you may have regular urine tests to monitor the myeloma and check how well treatment is working.
Your doctor may also suggest you have a specialised blood test called the serum free light chain assay as well as, or instead of, the urine test as the Bence Jones protein doesn’t show up in a standard blood test.
Listen to our podcast on Tests and Cancer
Prof John Gibson, Haematologist, Institute of Haematology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and The University of Sydney, NSW; Dr Stephanie Anderson, Registrar, Institute of Haematology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW; Tanya Carney, Consumer; Jacqui Keogh, NSW State Manager/Senior Myeloma Nurse NSW, Myeloma Australia; Dr Silvia Ling, Haematologist, Liverpool Hospital, NSW; Rachel McCann, Myeloma Support Nurse NSW, Myeloma Australia; John McMath, Consumer; Karen Robinson, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
Featured resource
Click below to download a PDF booklet on this topic.
Additional resources
Need to talk?
Support services
Coping with cancer?
Speak to a health professional or to someone who has been there, or find a support group or forum
Need legal and financial assistance?
Pro bono services, financial and legal assistance, and no interest loans
Cancer information
Blood cancers
Learn about the different blood cancers, such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma
Dealing with the diagnosis
Common reactions to a cancer diagnosis and how to find hope
View our publications
Guides and fact sheets for people with cancer, their families and friends