The Myeloma Screen is a wide blood panel used to look for signs of abnormal antibody-producing cells in the bone marrow, including full blood count, inflammation markers, a full biochemistry profile, protein electrophoresis, immunoglobulins and serum free light chains. It suits people with unexplained bone pain, persistent fatigue or anaemia that a doctor wants investigated further. The panel costs £291.25 plus a £50 blood-draw fee, with results in 5 days. Walk in or book online at 117a Harley Street, seven days a week.
A doctor may request a myeloma screen when someone has unexplained bone pain or fractures, persistent fatigue, recurrent infections, or anaemia that has not been explained by more common causes.
It is also used when routine blood tests show an unexpectedly raised total protein or calcium level, since these can prompt a doctor to look more closely at antibody-producing cells in the bone marrow.
Some people request it as part of a wider investigation into unexplained weight loss or kidney function changes, where a doctor wants to rule abnormal plasma cell activity in or out alongside other causes.
Please state clearly whether you are fasting or non-fasting when you attend, as this is required for this profile. Most people do not need to fast beforehand unless a doctor has told you otherwise, but the laboratory needs your status recorded on the request.
An unusual band on protein electrophoresis, a raised or reduced immunoglobulin level, or an abnormal free light chain ratio does not on its own confirm a diagnosis. These findings are common and often relate to age, infection or other benign causes, and always need to be read alongside your full clinical picture.
Changes to the biochemistry profile, such as raised calcium or altered kidney markers, add further context but again require a doctor's interpretation rather than a standalone conclusion.
If any part of this panel falls outside the laboratory's reference range, book a follow-up with a doctor to discuss what the pattern means for you and whether further tests, such as bone marrow assessment, are appropriate.
If you would like a doctor to request the right tests for your symptoms or talk the report through, book a private GP consultation at Medical Express Clinic.
Written by Mr Stephen Lingam. Reviewed by Dr Mohammad Bakhtiar.
It is a group of blood tests, including full blood count, inflammation markers, protein electrophoresis, immunoglobulins and free light chains, used to look for signs of abnormal antibody-producing cells in the bone marrow.
Most people do not need to fast, but you must tell the phlebotomist whether you are fasting or non-fasting, as this is recorded with your sample.
Results are typically available within 5 days of your blood being taken at 117a Harley Street.
Not on its own. Several markers in this panel can be raised for reasons other than myeloma, so a doctor needs to interpret the full pattern alongside your symptoms and history.