Kappa/Lambda Light Chains, Free with Ratio

Quest Diagnostics

Sample type: Serum

Requires fasting: No

Phlebotomy required

Details

Kappa/Lambda Light Chains, Free with Ratio - This test measures the amount of kappa and lambda free light chains (FLCs) in the blood and calculates the kappa to lambda ratio. It is used to assist in the diagnosis of plasma cell disorders, including multiple myeloma, primary amyloidosis, monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS), Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, and related disorders. It is also used to monitor disease activity and treatment.

Biomarker summary

Kappa Light Chain, Free, Serum
Lambda Light Chain, Free, Serum
Kappa/Lambda Light Chains Free With Ratio, Serum

Additional details

Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected

Details

Kappa/Lambda Light Chains, Free with Ratio - The Kappa/Lambda Light Chains, Free with Ratio, Serum test measures the amount of kappa and lambda free light chains (FLCs) in the blood and calculates the kappa to lambda ratio. It is used to assist in the diagnosis of plasma cell disorders, including multiple myeloma, primary amyloidosis, monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS), Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, and related disorders. It is also used to monitor disease activity and treatment [1].

Kappa and lambda light chains link with heavy chains to form immunoglobulins. In healthy individuals, most serum light chains are bound to heavy chains. However, excess plasma-cell proliferation associated with plasma-cell disorders can cause an excess of circulating FLCs and increase or decrease the K/L ratio [1].

This test is intended for patients clinically suspected of having hematologic disease, based on certain symptoms and medical conditions. These include bone pain, bone fractures, normocytic anemia, kidney disease, and recurrent infections suggestive of an underlying plasma-cell disorder [1].

Note that blood samples that are grossly hemolyzed or lipemic or contain high levels of circulating immune complexes (CICs) should not be tested, because of the unpredictable degree of nonspecific scatter these sample types may generate.

References
1. AACC. Serum free light chains. https://labtestsonline.org/tests/serum-free-light-chains. Accessed September 3, 2019.

What type of sample is required for this test?

2 mL serum

Test Resources

For more information, please consult your healthcare provider.

Average sample processing time

2–5 business days

Reference range

Kappa Light Chain, Free, Serum 3.3–19.4 mg/L

Lambda Light Chain, Free, Serum 5.7–26.3 mg/L

Kappa/Lambda Light Chains Free with Ratio 0.26–1.65

Health categories

Patient instructions

Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:

Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)

Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
Collection Instructions:

Bring a valid ID.
Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.

Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide

Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy

Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
Collection Instructions: