What is a characteristic of multiple myeloma found in serum analysis?

Multiple myeloma is a hematologic disorder characterized by the proliferation of abnormal plasma cells that produce large quantities of monoclonal immunoglobulins. One of the distinctive features observed in serum analysis of patients with multiple myeloma is the presence of free light chains, which are components of antibodies. In this condition, the malignant plasma cells can produce excess light chains that may not be paired with heavy chains, leading to their presence in the serum.

The measurement of free light chains, often analyzed using serum free light chain assays, can be critical for diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. Elevated levels of free light chains, specifically kappa or lambda light chains, can indicate disease activity and assist in assessing the prognosis of multiple myeloma patients.

In contrast to the correct choice, increased IgE levels are typically associated with allergic responses and parasitic infections rather than multiple myeloma. Low complement levels are not characteristic of this condition; they are more commonly associated with autoimmune diseases. Additionally, while patients with multiple myeloma may have various changes in blood counts, an elevated white blood cell count is not a defining feature of the disease and is not consistently present, as myeloma is primarily characterized by plasma cell proliferation rather than overall increase