If a doctor suspects that a patient may have myeloma they will order blood tests as well as urine tests in which they will be looking for abnormal proteins. The protein attached to myeloma is called an M-protein a paraprotein or monoclonal protein.
The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory where it will be examined to identify what different types of cells appear in the blood sample and in what quantities.
Screening for myeloma may be ordered if you have symptoms or an abnormal urine or blood test that a doctor suspects may be due to this condition. You may also be referred to a haematologist who specialises in disorders of the blood.
There is no special preparation required and you can drink and eat normally before you come for the test. if you are having a fasting blood test the doctor will tell you how far in advance of your blood test that you need to stop eating or drinking
If the results of blood tests and urine tests raise the possibility of myeloma then a doctor will normally ask for a bone marrow biopsy which will confirm the presence of multiple myeloma. in this test a small sample of your bone marrow, the source of all your blood cells, will be taken from one of your bones, usually a bone in the pelvis. A small sampling of your bone may also be taken.
Select the test that you would like to undergo
Go to the Harley Street clinic for your blood draw and pay for your test in person
As soon as the results are ready, the will be sent to you by your chosen method