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Test ID: PCLIP
Plasma Cell Labeling Index (PCLI) Profile

Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

The plasma cell Ig light chain restriction assessment is performed by 6-color flow cytometry using a single tube. Mononuclear cell enrichment using a ficoll technique is performed on specimens prior to setting up a single assay tube containing antibodies to kappa Ig light chain, lambda Ig light chain, CD19, CD38, CD45, and CD138. CD38 and CD138 are used to gate on the plasma cells and anti-kappa and anti-lambda are used to identify cytoplasmic Ig light chains. Clonal plasma cells can be either CD45-positive or -negative, both subsets will be analyzed. Normal (polyclonal, nonneoplastic) plasma cells are typically CD19-positive, whereas neoplastic (clonal) plasma cells typically are CD19-negative. Therefore, CD19 expression will be used to aid in distinguishing clonal from nonclonal plasma cells, particularly in instances when there are few analyzable cells present. The flow cytometric screen will report the presence or absence of a detectable plasma cell population with Ig light chain restriction.

 

An immunofluorescent LI developed in our laboratory uses a monoclonal antibody to 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BU-1) combined with fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated kappa and lambda Ig light chains to determine the proliferative activity of Ig light chain-restricted plasma cells. In this method the bone marrow aspirates are incubated in media containing BU-1 prior to analysis. Cells that are in the DNA replication stage of the cell cycle (S-phase) will incorporate this nucleic acid analogue into the newly synthesized DNA. The cells are then isolated by ficoll-gradient preparation and BU-1 is used in combination with the antibodies to the Ig light chains to determine the proportion of monotypic plasma cells that are actively proliferating. (Greipp PR, Witzig TE, Gonchoroff NJ: Immunofluorescent plasma cell labeling indices [LI] using a monoclonal antibody [BU-1]. Am J Hematol 1985;20:289-292)

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.

Specimens are processed Monday through Sunday and reported Monday through Friday.

Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.

2 days

Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result

5 days

Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester