Kappa/Lambda Light Chains, Free with Ratio and Reflex to Immunofixation
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Serum
Requires fasting: No
Phlebotomy required
Details
Kappa/Lambda Light Chains, Free with Ratio and Reflex to Immunofixation - 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.
Reflex testing uses predefined clinical logic to automatically order one or more follow-up tests based on the initial test results. Reflex tests are performed automatically without the intervention of the ordering practitioner. They are conducted using the same sample your Patient already provided. If reflex tests are required, there will be additional charges.
Initial test
- Kappa Light Chain, Free, Serum
- Lambda Light Chain, Free, Serum
- Kappa/Lambda Light Chains Free Ratio, Serum
Possible reflex biomarkers
- Immunofixation
Estimated days for results: Results should be available within 2 - 5 business days after samples are received at the lab.
Kappa/Lambda Light Chains, Free with Ratio and Reflex to Immunofixation - The Kappa/Lambda Light Chains, Free with Ratio 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.
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.
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.
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.
2–5 business days
3.3-19.4 mg/L
Lambda Light Chain, Free, Serum
5.7-26.3 mg/L
Kappa/Lambda Light Chains Free with Ratio, Serum
0.26-1.65
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:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
- Preferred Specimen(s): 2 mL serum
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 1 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
- Transport Container: Transport tube
- Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 72 hours
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 30 days
- Reject Criteria:
- Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic • Microbially contaminated • Heavy visible particulate
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Rhode Island, New Jersey, or New York
