Foreword

A considerable amount of literature concerning proteins and protein electrophoresis has been produced and the topic has been discussed in great detail. I fondly recall a book dating back to the early 90’s  on plasma proteins which I still treasure as a rare work: a first act of unconditional love for these biological molecules. The present  work is a collection of presentations and talks I gave as lecturer in Clinical Pathology of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome, as well as in conferences and congresses, where friends regarded me as a trustworthy "Napolitan "scoundrel.

The aim of this work is to generate curiosity and desire to explore these topics in all those who feel the need to improve their cultural background.

This  multimedia work aims at creating an easy and stimulating approach to protidology through the explanation of methodological steps as well as of by reporting indications extracted from international works and guidelines. This voyage will take us through the variety of techniques employed for chemical and physical separations of proteins, which will enable us to penetrate deeply within the study of monoclonal components by means of various methodological techniques. Finally, the evidence of clinical-laboratory until the search for a reporting of samples that may be understandable anywhere and not the result of quote poetic cast.

The presence of updated guidelines makes the work of the laboratory technician even more difficult, requiring continuous fundamental updating, as novel analyzing techniques for risk stratification and for minimal residual disease are introduced.

A separate chapter is dedicated to MGUS (monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance)as, according to literature data, it is now to be considered as a real precancerous stage.

As a connoisseur and lover of Protein Electrophoresis I hope to stimulate your interest through the arguments presented in this new and straightforward multimedia guide.

I thank all those who have fostered my professional and cultural growth through the years.  I apologize to those who consider the work useless, poor and improvable; I am grateful to those who nod with pleasure while browsing through the pages.

Finally, I thank INTERLAB, the company that allowed the creation of a purely educational multimedia work without any writing restriction or advertising purposes.