A gel may form unexpectedly in a serum sample that has been heated in vitro if a pyroglobulin is present.
Temperature required: 56 - 60°C
Features of a pyroglobulin:
(1) The gel formed is irreversible.
(2) Serum protein electropheresis shows a monoclonal protein that may be IgM, IgD, IgG or IgE.
(3) The patient may be found to have multiple myeloma, plasma cell leukemia or a lymphoproliferative disorder.
Differential diagnosis:
(1) Bence Jones protein (forms a reversible precipitate)
(2) fibrinogen or fibrin (clots after adding thrombin to the sample)
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Specialty: Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cardiology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
ICD-10: ,
