The gamma gap aka paraprotein gap or protein gap is the difference between total serum proteins and albumin measured from a comprehensive metabolic panel.
Albumin accounts for the majority of total serum protein.
Viral infections, plasma cell malignancies, or autoimmune conditions there is an excess of immunoglobulins, raising the total amount of serum protein independent of albumin.
The gamma gap is typically considered to be elevated if it is above 4 g/dL.
In the right clinical context, gamma gap should be worked up with SPEP, UPEP, and a serum free light chain assay.
Random exercise: Calculate the protein gap.
Total protein 8.9 g/dL (normal 6.4-8.3 g/dL)
Albumin is 3.6 g/dL (normal 3.4-4.8 g/dL)
That's all!
-IkaN
Albumin accounts for the majority of total serum protein.
Viral infections, plasma cell malignancies, or autoimmune conditions there is an excess of immunoglobulins, raising the total amount of serum protein independent of albumin.
The gamma gap is typically considered to be elevated if it is above 4 g/dL.
In the right clinical context, gamma gap should be worked up with SPEP, UPEP, and a serum free light chain assay.
Random exercise: Calculate the protein gap.
Total protein 8.9 g/dL (normal 6.4-8.3 g/dL)
Albumin is 3.6 g/dL (normal 3.4-4.8 g/dL)
That's all!
-IkaN
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