M-Spike

M-Spike

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What's

M-Spike

M-Spike, or Monoclonal Spike, refers to a distinct pattern that can show up in blood or urine tests, signaling the presence of unusual proteins created by specific cells in your immune system. These proteins, called immunoglobulins, are typically made by your body to fight off infections or other health issues. However, sometimes a single cell type starts making too much of a particular immunoglobulin, leading to the noticeable "spike" in test results. This M-Spike can be an important hint for your healthcare provider, helping them gain a better understanding of what's going on inside your body.

If Your Levels Are High

Elevated M-Spike levels might mean that your body is making too much of a certain protein, called immunoglobulins, which are usually produced to help fight off infections or other health issues. This could happen for various reasons, such as your body responding to an infection, inflammation, or even certain medications like immune-modulating drugs. It might also suggest a condition where your immune cells aren't working properly, causing them to produce too many of these proteins. This imbalance in your immune system could have an impact on your overall health. Some specific conditions that could be linked to high M-Spike levels include multiple myeloma, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), or lymphoma.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of M-Spike may not always be apparent. However, when present, they could include fatigue, bone pain, frequent infections, and unexplained weight loss.

If Your Levels are Low

A low M-Spike level means that your body isn't producing a large amount of a specific protein called immunoglobulins, which are usually made by your immune system to help fight off infections or other health issues. This could be because your immune system is healthy and not currently dealing with any problems, or it might be due to lifestyle factors like a balanced diet and regular exercise that support overall immune health. Some medications, especially those that affect the immune system, could also lead to lower M-Spike levels. In rare cases, low levels might be a sign of an immune deficiency or other underlying condition.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of M-Spike are typically not noticeable, as this condition often doesn't cause any specific physical discomfort or changes.

See References

Test for

Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP)

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Serum

Serum protein electrophoresis is an analytical technique that separates serum protein into six fractions: Albumin, Alpha-1, Alpha-2, Beta-1, Beta-2, and Gamma. PEP is used to evaluate collagen diseases, inflammatory states, macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom, monoclonal gammopathies, and myeloma.

Protein, Total & Protein Electrophoresis

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Serum

Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is an analytical technique that separates serum protein into six fractions. SPEP is used to evaluate collagen diseases, inflammatory states, macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom, monoclonal gammopathies, and myeloma.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

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