Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does My Blood Test Report Indicate?
Question: I just had my complete blood work done - CBC w/ diff, CMP, etc. In the CBC: my MCV was elevated (102)What does this mean? My RBC was down (3.7). My doctor then ordered more tests: IgG, IgA, IgM, & IfE - this immunofixation electrophoresis demonstrated a small band in IGM KAPPA which may be indicative of "Monoclonal Immunoglobulin" - What is this? Also, my "SPE" blood level had a possible "Fibrinogen Band" present: What is this? I am a surgical R.N. of 30 years, and had basal cell carcinoma (face & scalp) 10 years ago. These labs worried me a bit. My family doctor is a bit "out of it" lets just say. When I know about as much as he does. Please help!
Brief Answer:
b12 or folate deficiency
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query. I understand your concerns.
A high mcv and low RBC count is most commonly due to vitamin b12 or folate deficiency. This can be confirmed by measuring their levels in blood.
Fibrinogen band on spep is normal. It happens occasionally due to heparinized blood not fully clotting.
The monoclonal protein needs to be evaluated further. We can confirm it by serum free light chain assay. But if it is very small, with normal hemoglobin, calcium, creatinine and no bony lesions, then it may be monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (mgus). This doesn't need treatment. Only monitoring.
Hope this helps. I will be available for follow up.
Regards
b12 or folate deficiency
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query. I understand your concerns.
A high mcv and low RBC count is most commonly due to vitamin b12 or folate deficiency. This can be confirmed by measuring their levels in blood.
Fibrinogen band on spep is normal. It happens occasionally due to heparinized blood not fully clotting.
The monoclonal protein needs to be evaluated further. We can confirm it by serum free light chain assay. But if it is very small, with normal hemoglobin, calcium, creatinine and no bony lesions, then it may be monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (mgus). This doesn't need treatment. Only monitoring.
Hope this helps. I will be available for follow up.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you doctor. . . I actually had my Vitamin B12 and Folate done in that same panel, and it was completely normal/within the ranges; so that's not it. My Hemoglobin was low (10.1), Creatinine was high (28), and Calcium was within range. Now what? How should I proceed with my "quack" of a family doctor? What should I tell him? Please advise!
Brief Answer:
should go for hematology consult
Detailed Answer:
May I know the units for the creatinine value? Because it is not matching with either mg/dl or umol/l. Also mention the reference normal range.
In any case, a hematology consult is warranted. You should talk to your gp regarding this.
should go for hematology consult
Detailed Answer:
May I know the units for the creatinine value? Because it is not matching with either mg/dl or umol/l. Also mention the reference normal range.
In any case, a hematology consult is warranted. You should talk to your gp regarding this.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
