Comment Period Opens for Monoclonal Gammopathies Guideline

Contact: Kerry Lydon
Phone: 800-323-4040, ext. 7844
E-mail: MEDIA@CAP.ORG

Northfield, IL — An expert panel assembled by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) is developing an evidence-based clinical practice guideline that aims to reduce variability, identify optimal testing, and improve the accurate diagnosis of patients with monoclonal gammopathies (MGs).

 Patients with abnormal blood proteins known as monoclonal or M-proteins can be at higher risk of progressing to serious malignancies such as multiple myeloma, AL Amyloid, or other plasma cell or lymphoid disorders. But accurately diagnosing MGs spurs a complex cascade of laboratory testing that can vary widely across medical teams, and such variability could spur inconsistent or poor outcomes.

 A draft summary of 13 recommendations for the guideline, “Laboratory Work-up and Initial Diagnosis of Monoclonal Gammopathies,” is now open online for public review and comment through February 22, 2019.

 All stakeholders—including pathologists, hematologists, oncologists, hospital or laboratory administrators, and patient advocacy group representatives—are encouraged to review and submit feedback on these draft recommendations.

 “We’ve focused the guidance on the initial diagnosis and standardization of testing serum and urine specimens,” said project co-chair M. Qasim Ansari, MD, FCAP. “Recommendations aim for a more consistent, disciplined approach that ultimately improves the patient experience by delivering accurate diagnostics.”  

Medical societies collaborating with the CAP on the guideline include the:

• American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Society of Hematology (ASH)
• International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG)

 “A survey of laboratories using CAP proficiency testing material showed wide variability in MG testing across laboratories,” said panel co-chair David F. Keren, MD, FCAP.  “This guideline will provide an evidence-based path so that laboratories get it right the first time, which improves quality and efficiencies.”

 To read and comment on the draft guidelines, visit cap.org until February 22, 2019.

As the world's largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, read the 2017 CAP Annual Report at CAP.ORG.