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Free light chains

About This Test

Department: Biochemistry

Requirement:

  • Gel/clotted (yellow/red top)

 

Turnaround Time:

72 hours

Background:

Diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of plasma cell disorders.

Routinely available to Haematology and Nephrology only.

Kappa and lambda free light-chains are quantified and reported alongside the kappa/lambda ratio. Abnormal ratio is suggestive of monoclonal light-chain production. Elevations of both kappa and lambda may be seen with renal disease, infection, and inflammation.

Reference ranges:

Analyte  Reference range
Kappa 3.3 - 19.4 mg/L
Lambda 5.7 - 26.3 mg/L
Kappa/lambda ratio 0.26 - 1.65

 

Derived from Binding Site/FreeLite Instructions For Use - September 2014

Results outside the reference range do not necessarily indicate disease. Similarly, results within the reference range do not preclude abnormality. Please contact the Duty Biochemist for discussion of individual patient results.

Other Comments:

See alsoProtein electrophoresisBence-Jones protein