Home›Free Light Chains (Kappa & Lambda), Serum

Content created by

Written by

BDS, MDS - Oral Pathology and Microbiology

Reviewed by

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Want to know more?
Read our Editorial Policy

Free Light Chains (Kappa & Lambda), Serum

Also known as Free Light Chains Blood Test, Kappa and Lambda Free Light Chains, Quantitative Serum Free Light Chains, Immunoglobulin Free Light Chains

Free Light Chains (Kappa & Lambda), Serum Includes 3 testsView All

₹4399~~₹7000~~ 37% Off

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Free Light Chains (Kappa & Lambda), Serum

What is Free Light Chains (Kappa & Lambda), Serum?

The Free Light Chains (Kappa & Lambda), Serum test is a blood test that evaluates the level of a specific protein called light chains, part of immunoglobulins (antibodies). This test helps to detect, diagnose, and monitor plasma cell disorders (also known as dyscrasias) such as primary amyloidosis, multiple myeloma, and various other associated diseases. It also aids in assessing ongoing treatment effectiveness.

Light chains are certain proteins produced by plasma cells (white blood cells) and are of two types, namely Kappa (K) and Lambda (L). They are linked together with other proteins (called heavy chains) to form immunoglobulins (antibodies) that target and neutralize specific pathogens. In general, your body produces some extra light chains that flow freely in the blood without getting attached to heavy chains. These unbound chains are known as free light chains. The Free Light Chains (Kappa & Lambda), Serum test determines the production of free kappa and free lambda light chains. Higher than normal free light chains in your blood can indicate disorders of the plasma cells.

The Free Light Chains (Kappa & Lambda), Serum test helps detect, diagnose, and monitor a group of plasma cell disorders (also known as dyscrasias) such as primary amyloidosis, multiple myeloma, and monoclonal gammopathy (a condition that may progress to multiple myeloma), etc. Your doctor may recommend this test when there are symptoms suggestive of plasma cell disorders that include bone pain or fracture, anemia, recurrent infections, easy bruising, and abnormal kidney functioning.

The Free Light Chains (Kappa & Lambda), Serum test also provides complementary information by determining the ratio of Kappa and lambda (Kappa:Lambda) providing more in-depth information about the type, severity, and progression of these plasma cell disorders. Additionally, this test can be performed routinely to monitor the treatment effectiveness for these conditions.

Usually, no special preparation is required before undergoing this test. However, It is important to inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or medical conditions you may have, as these factors could potentially affect the test results.

Lab test results may vary across different laboratories. The test results may vary depending on various factors like age, and underlying illness among others. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation; therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results. The insights from this test help the doctor tailor an appropriate treatment plan.

What is Free Light Chains (Kappa & Lambda), Serum used for?

The Free Light Chains (Kappa & Lambda), Serum test is done:

To detect, diagnose, and observe the disturbances of the plasma cells known as plasma cell dyscrasias.
To diagnose conditions affecting the bone marrow like multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer).
In case of recurrent infections occurring due to plasma cell disorder.
In case of pain or fracture in bones.
In case of chronic (long-term) anemia and kidney disease.
To monitor disease progression and effectiveness of treatment associated with plasma cell disorders.

What does Free Light Chains (Kappa & Lambda), Serum measure?

Contains 3 tests

The Free Light Chains (Kappa & Lambda), Serum test measures the free (unbound) kappa and lambda light chains in the blood. Light chains are small proteins produced by plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. They can combine with other proteins (heavy chains) to form immunoglobulins, or antibodies, which help fight infections. When light chains are produced in excess, they do not combine with heavy chains and instead enter the blood in a "free" state, unbound to heavy chains.

This test also determines the balance or ratio of kappa to lambda light chains in the blood (kappa: lambda ratio) which can provide valuable information about disorders related to plasma cells, such as multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer. It is also useful in monitoring treatment response and disease progression in these conditions.

Kappa/Lambda Ratio

The Kappa/Lambda Ratio test measures the balance of two types of free light chains: free kappa light chains and free lambda light chains. These light chains are components of antibodies produced by plasma cells as part of the immune response. Normally, a small amount of free light chains are present in the bloodstream, but in some conditions, such as plasma cell disorders like primary amyloidosis, multiple myeloma, Waldenström macroglobulinemia, and monoclonal gammopathies, the production of these light chains can rise significantly.

By considering the balance between kappa and lambda light chains, rather than just their individual levels, the Kappa/Lambda Ratio test provides a more comprehensive assessment of light chain production and its relevance to diagnosing plasma cell proliferation.

Know more about Kappa/Lambda Ratio

Kappa Light Chains

The Kappa Light Chains test measures the free (unbound) kappa light chains in the blood. Light chains are small proteins produced by plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. They can combine with other proteins (heavy chains) to form immunoglobulins, or antibodies, which help fight infections. When kappa light chains are produced in excess, they do not combine with heavy chains and instead enter the blood in a "free" state, unbound to heavy chains. Abnormal levels of kappa free light chains can indicate various diseases, including multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders. Thus, measuring the Kappa light chains levels plays a crucial role in the comprehensive evaluation and management of blood-related disorders, ultimately benefiting individuals by enabling timely diagnosis, personalized treatment approaches, and improved clinical outcomes.

Know more about Kappa Light Chains

Lambda Light Chains

The Lambda Light Chains test measures the free (unbound) lambda light chains in the blood. Light chains are small proteins produced by plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. They are part of antibodies, which are used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects. Normally, light chains combine with heavy chains to form antibodies. However, some light chains are not bound to heavy chains and are therefore termed as “free” light chains.

Abnormal levels of lambda-free light chains can indicate various diseases, including multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders. Thus, quantifying the lambda light chains levels plays a crucial role in the comprehensive evaluation and management of blood-related disorders, ultimately benefiting individuals by enabling timely diagnosis, personalized treatment approaches, and improved clinical outcomes.

Know more about Lambda Light Chains

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Free Light Chains (Kappa & Lambda), Serum

Frequently Asked Questions about Free Light Chains (Kappa & Lambda), Serum

Q. What is the purpose of the Free Light Chains (Kappa & Lambda), Serum test?

The Free Light Chains (Kappa & Lambda), Serum test is used to help diagnose and monitor conditions that lead to the production of excessive or abnormal light chains, such as multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, and other related disorders.

Q. How is the Free Light Chain test performed?

A phlebotomist (a trained professional to perform blood draws) will clean your skin using an antiseptic alcohol cotton swab or wipe and take blood samples from your vein using a needle. The blood sample will be stored safely and transported to the laboratory for analysis.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the Free Light chain test?

No, the Free Light Chain test is generally safe with minimal risks. However, you may feel slight discomfort during blood sample collection but chances of serious complications are extremely rare.

Q. Is fasting required for the Free Light Chain test?

No, fasting is not required for this test. However, it is advised to follow your doctor's instructions closely before getting this test done.

Q. When should the Free Light Chain test be done?

The Free Light Chain test may be done when an individual has symptoms of a plasma cell disorder such as bone pain, fractures, fatigue, frequent infections, or unexplained weight loss. It can also be done periodically to monitor the progress of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.

Q. How often should the Free Light Chain test be conducted?

The frequency of this test depends on the specific clinical situation. For individuals under treatment for plasma cell disorders, the test may be repeated periodically to monitor response to therapy.

Q. What information does the Free Light Chain test provide?

The Free Light Chain test provides information about the levels of free kappa and lambda light chains in the blood and the ratio between them, which can help diagnose certain disorders related to plasma cells and assess the severity and progression of these conditions.

Q. What do high levels of free light chains indicate?

High levels of free light chains may indicate a plasma cell disorder, such as multiple myeloma or Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. However, increased levels can also be seen in other conditions, such as kidney disease.

Q. What is multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a type of white blood cell or plasma cell cancer. The cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and produce abnormal proteins that cause complications in the body.

Q. What is primary amyloidosis?

Primary amyloidosis is a rare disorder. In this disorder, there is a build-up of abnormal proteins in the tissues and organs of the body. These abnormal protein clumps are known as amyloid deposits.

+ more