Free Lambda (Free Light Chain)

The Free Lambda Freelite chains Serum test measures the concentration of free lambda light chains in the blood.

The Free Lambda Freelite chains Serum test is typically done to evaluate the presence and extent of plasma cell disorders that produce excess free lambda light chains. The test may be done to diagnose or monitor conditions such as:

• Multiple myeloma: A cancer of plasma cells that produces abnormal amounts of monoclonal immunoglobulins or free light chains.

• Primary amyloidosis: A disease in which abnormal deposits of amyloid, a protein derived from free light chains, accumulate in various organs and tissues.

• Light chain deposition disease: A disease in which abnormal deposits of free light chains accumulate in the kidneys and other organs.

• Non-secretory myeloma: A rare type of multiple myeloma that does not produce detectable levels of monoclonal immunoglobulins, but may produce excess free light chains.

The Free Lambda Freelite chains Serum test may be recommended in the following situations:

• When a patient has symptoms or signs of a plasma cell disorder, such as bone pain, fatigue, kidney problems, infections, or bleeding.

• When a patient has an abnormal result in another test that suggests a plasma cell disorder, such as serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP), or immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE).

• When a patient has a known or suspected plasma cell disorder that produces excess free lambda light chains, such as multiple myeloma, primary amyloidosis, or light chain deposition disease.

• When a patient needs to monitor their response to treatment or disease progression for a plasma cell disorder that produces excess free lambda light chains.

• Patients who are advised to take the test should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions and inform them of any medical history, medications, supplements, or dietary restrictions that may affect the test results.

Some possible causes and implications of abnormal results are:

• High free lambda light chain level (lambda light chain excess): This may indicate a plasma cell disorder that produces excess free lambda light chains, such as multiple myeloma, primary amyloidosis, or light chain deposition disease. It may also indicate kidney damage or impairment that reduces the clearance of free lambda light chains from the blood.
• Low free lambda light chain level (lambda light chain deficiency): This may indicate a plasma cell disorder that produces excess free kappa light chains, such as multiple myeloma or primary amyloidosis. It may also indicate liver damage or impairment that reduces the production of free lambda light chains.
• High free lambda to free kappa ratio (lambda/kappa ratio > 1.65): This may indicate an imbalance between the production of free lambda and free kappa light chains by plasma cells. It may suggest a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or a plasma cell disorder that produces excess free lambda light chains, such as multiple myeloma, primary amyloidosis, or light chain deposition disease.
• Low free lambda to free kappa ratio (lambda/kappa ratio < 0.26): This may indicate an imbalance between the production of free lambda and free kappa light chains by plasma cells. It may suggest a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or a plasma cell disorder that produces excess free kappa light chains, such as multiple myeloma or primary amyloidosis.

The test typically involves a blood draw, where a healthcare professional will collect a small sample of blood from a vein, usually in the arm. The procedure is relatively quick and minimally invasive.

Patients may be advised to follow specific instructions before the test, such as fasting for a certain period or discontinuing certain medications. It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s guidance to ensure accurate test results.

Additional tests that may be ordered alongside the Free Lambda Freelite chains serum test include:

• Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP): To separate and measure the different types of proteins in the blood, such as albumin, alpha, beta, and gamma globulins.

• Urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP): To separate and measure the different types of proteins in the urine, such as albumin, alpha, beta, and gamma globulins.

• Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE): To identify and quantify the specific type of immunoglobulin or free light chain present in the blood or urine.

• Bone marrow biopsy: To examine the cells and tissues in the bone marrow and detect any abnormal plasma cells or other malignancies.

• Free lambda light chain test

• Serum free lambda test

• Free lambda assay