<P> When there is a malignant clone, there is usually overproduction of a single antibody, resulting in a "spike" on the normal distribution (sharp peak on the graph), which is called an M spike (or monoclonal spike). People will sometimes develop a condition called MGUS (Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance), where there is overproduction of one antibody but the condition is benign (does not threaten the patient's health). An explanation of the difference between multiple myeloma and MGUS can be found in the International Myeloma Foundation's Patient Handbook and Concise Review </P> <P> Detection of paraproteins in the urine or blood is most often associated with benign monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), where they remain "silent", and multiple myeloma . An excess in the blood is known as paraproteinemia . Paraproteins form a narrow band, or' spike' in protein electrophoresis as they are all exactly the same protein . Unlike normal immunoglobulin antibodies, paraproteins cannot fight infection . </P> <P> Serum free light - chain measurement can detect free light chains in the blood . Monoclonal free light chains in the serum or urine are called Bence Jones proteins . </P> <P> Blood serum paraprotein levels of more than 30 g / L is diagnostic of multiple myeloma, according to the diagnostic criteria of the International Myeloma Working Group, which were updated in 2009 . Detection of paraprotein in serum of less than 30 g / L is classified as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance in cases where clonal plasma cells constitute less than 10% on bone marrow biopsy and there is no myeloma - related organ or tissue impairment . </P>

What is the m spike in protein electrophoresis