A photo of a protein electrophoresis gel. Four and five are from the same patient. 4 looks like one big blob due to a pharmaceutical treatment the patient is receiving called Darzalex.
Darzalex, also known as daratumumab, is a medication used to treat multiple myeloma and light chain (AL) amyloidosis. It is a monoclonal antibody that targets a protein called CD38 found on the surface of myeloma cells. By binding to CD38, Darzalex helps the body's immune system attack and kill the myeloma cells.
This is a breakthrough treatment for multiple myeloma. But it causes many issues for lab testing! You can see by comparing 4 & 5 that 5 had a distinct, clearly defined edge to the band. I can measure this, it can be tracked over time ofc. Number 4 canβt be measured & is essentially useless from a clinical standpoint.
Because Darzalex binds to CD38, it also interferes with Blood Bank testing. It is advisable for all patients to have RBC phenotyping done prior to starting the treatment in order to provide the safest blood possible for them if a transfusion is needed. Use of the medication requires the blood bank department to have to do complicated work ups that can add hours of priceless time to finding compatible blood.
Now you know!
Re: post yesterday
number 4 & 5 come from same patient sample. 4 was ran as is; 5 was treated with mercapto, a chemical used to release bonds. This pt is undergoing specific drug treatment that causes the #electrophoresis pattern to look like it does in spot 4.
#AutisticAtWork #Lab ALT for context