Routine biochemical tests
Routine biochemical tests show the composition of the non-cellular components of blood. The main biochemical tests used in myeloma include:
- Serum creatinine – a measure of renal function which may be elevated in myeloma
- Serum urea – a measure of renal function; a less sensitive indicator than creatinine but may also be elevated in myeloma.
- Serum calcium – to measure calcium levels which may be raised as a result of myeloma bone disease. Elevated serum calcium can contribute to renal damage
- Serum albumin – a prognostic marker in myeloma; also needed to ensure adequate correction factors are applied to the serum calcium levels.
The normal ranges for these blood chemistries are listed in Table 3. Note that normal ranges may vary slightly between different laboratories, depending on the equipment and techniques used.
Table 3: Normal values for blood chemistries
| Serum Test Normal Values | Serum Test Normal Values |
|---|---|
| Serum urea | 2.5 – 6.7 mmol/L |
| Serum creatinine | 70 – 150 µmol/L |
| Serum calcium | 2.1 – 2.6 mmol/L |
| Serum albumin | 35 – 50 g/L |