State of the art in the protein study field. Results of the survey carried out by the protein forum from October 2018 to March 2019 in Argentina

Abstract

Introduction: The clinical laboratory has a main role in the characterization of monoclonal gammopathies not only during the diagnostic stage but also during the treatment monitoring. However, given the heterogeneity observed both in the methodologies used and in the report of protein studies, the Protein Forum wants to know the situation of the protein study field in Argentina. Objective: To survey the methodologies used and the form of expression of the results in the clinical analysis laboratories of Argentina for the detection, quantification and typification of monoclonal components. Materials and Methods: From October 2018 to February 2019, a voluntary and anonymous survey was sent to different laboratories, to know the state of the art in the study of monoclonal gammopathies. Results: A total of 270 responses were obtained from all over the country. Results showed that: 64.4% perform the electrophoretic proteinogram in their laboratory, whereas 44.8% perform it on agarose gel; 87.3% express the different fractions in g/dl, whereas 62.0% include both the percentage and absolute value; and 67.2% of the participants quantify the monoclonal component. Conclusions: The responses obtained show the lack of homogeneity in the items evaluated. Focusing on these aspects, a consensus will be written for the unification of both methodological criteria and the presentation of results.