Serum Free Light Chain Assay Test - Kappa And Lambda - Freelite Serum
51+ booked in last 3 daysSerum Free Light Chains Overview
The serum free light chain test, also known as the SFLC blood test or free light chain assay test, measures the levels of unbound immunoglobulin light chain molecules in the blood. These light chains, named kappa and lambda, are components of antibodies (immunoglobulins) produced by plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Normally, light chains link with heavy chains to form complete antibodies. However, when there are more light chains than heavy chains, these extra light chains are released into the bloodstream as "free" light chains.
The free light chain test is crucial for detecting and monitoring conditions related to plasma cell disorders, such as multiple myeloma, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and amyloidosis. It provides valuable insights into the functioning of plasma cells and helps in the diagnosis and management of these conditions.
Kappa and Lambda-Free Light Chains (FLC) are proteins produced by immune cells called plasma cells. They are released into the bloodstream and can be measured using laboratory tests. When plasma cells become cancerous or abnormal, they can produce an excessive amount of either kappa or lambda FLCs, causing an imbalance in the ratio of kappa to lambda FLCs in the bloodstream. This imbalance can be detected using a test called the kappa/lambda FLC ratio.
The kappa/lambda FLC ratio is used in conjunction with other tests to help diagnose and monitor plasma cell disorders including multiple myeloma, Waldenström macroglobulinemia, and amyloidosis. It can also be used to assess the risk of progression from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to multiple myeloma.
Written By: Supriya Kulkarni, Lead-Content & Training
Reviewed By: Dr. Alap Christry M.D. AVP-Lab Operations & Scientific Business Head-Clinical Chemistry
Reasons for Undergoing the Serum Free Light Chains
The serum free light chains test is primarily ordered to diagnose and monitor conditions affecting plasma cells. Here are some reasons for undergoing this test:
- Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma: To help identify this type of cancer that originates in the plasma cells of the bone marrow.
- Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS): A usually benign condition where abnormal proteins are produced.
- Amyloidosis: A condition where abnormal proteins accumulate in various organs and tissues.
- Symptoms Indicative of Plasma Cell Disorders: Such as bone pain, anaemia, high calcium levels in the blood, kidney problems, skin rash, nerve damage, and inflammation in the blood vessels.
List of Parameters Considered During the Serum Free Light Chains
The serum free light chains test measures Kappa and Lambda Free Light Chains and their ratio. Normal Kappa levels range from 3.3 to 19.4 mg/L, and Lambda from 5.7 to 26.3 mg/L. An abnormal Kappa/Lambda ratio (0.26 to 1.65) may indicate conditions like multiple myeloma or MGUS.
Serum Free Light Chains Preparation
There are no special preparations required for the free light chain test. You do not need to fast, however, inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. Also, share your health history and any ongoing medical conditions with your healthcare provider.
Serum Free Light Chains Results & Interpretation
The results of the serum free light chains test are interpreted as follows:
- Normal Results:
- Kappa free light chains: 3.3 to 19.4 mg/L
- Lambda free light chains: 5.7 to 26.3 mg/L
- Kappa/Lambda ratio: 0.26 to 1.65
- These ranges indicate no significant issue with plasma cells.
- Abnormal Results:
- Elevated levels of either kappa or lambda free light chains, or an abnormal kappa/lambda ratio, may indicate a monoclonal gammopathy, such as multiple myeloma or MGUS.
- Both elevated kappa and lambda levels with a normal or slightly increased ratio might suggest renal disease or chronic inflammation.
Home Collection for Serum Free Light Chains
Metropolis Healthcare offers a convenient home sample collection service for the free light chain test. A trained phlebotomist will come to your doorstep to collect the blood sample, ensuring comfort and safety while maintaining high standards of sample handling and testing accuracy. This service allows you to undergo the test without the need to visit a laboratory or clinic.
With Metropolis Healthcare's commitment to accessible healthcare, you can expect timely and reliable results, empowering you to take proactive steps in managing your health. Their dedication to providing quality diagnostic solutions conveniently at home underscores their focus on patient-centric care.
Serum Free Light Chain Assay Test - Kappa And Lambda - Freelite Serum Price
Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the Serum Free Light Chain Assay Test - Kappa And Lambda - Freelite Serum with a clear pricing structure.
The Serum Free Light Chain Assay Test - Kappa And Lambda - Freelite Serum Price in Mumbai is ₹ 6,250 .
We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Kappa and Lambda-Freelite test is a blood test that measures the levels of free light chains (FLCs) in the blood which are proteins produced by immune cells and are part of the antibody molecules that help the body fight infections.
Kappa and Lambda-Free Light Chain Serum Test is done for the following reasons:
- Diagnose Multiple Myeloma: Kappa and Lambda-Free Light Chain Serum Test helps to diagnose multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow.
- Monitor Multiple Myeloma: The test helps to monitor the progress of multiple myeloma and assess the effectiveness of treatment.
- Diagnose Other Blood Disorders: Abnormal levels of kappa and lambda-free light chains in the serum may indicate other blood disorders, such as amyloidosis or lymphoma.
- Evaluate Organ Function: Elevated levels of free light chains may indicate damage to organs such as the kidneys, which can lead to renal dysfunction.
- Identify Prognosis: The test helps to identify the prognosis of multiple myeloma patients and assess the risk of disease progression.
The symptoms that may call for a Kappa and Lambda-Freelite Serum test include:
- Unexplained bone pain
- Persistent fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurrent infections
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Shortness of breath
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Elevated protein levels in the urine
Abnormal results on the Kappa and Lambda Freelite test can indicate a variety of conditions, including:
- Multiple myeloma: In this condition, there is an abnormal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to the overproduction of FLCs.
- Other cancers: Abnormal FLC levels can also be seen in other types of cancer, such as lymphoma.
- Kidney disease: The kidneys normally filter out excess FLCs from the blood, so abnormal FLC levels can be seen in kidney disease.
- Inflammatory conditions: FLC levels can also be elevated in some inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
The test involves drawing a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. A healthcare professional will clean the area with an antiseptic, wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to make the veins more visible, and insert a needle into a vein to collect the blood sample. You may feel a brief prick or stinging sensation when the needle is inserted, but the procedure is generally painless.
No special preparation is required for the test. However, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider before taking the test, as they may have specific instructions or recommendations based on your individual medical history and current health status.
In addition to this test, there are several other laboratory tests that may be ordered to aid in the diagnosis and management of plasma cell disorders. Some of these tests include:
- Complete blood count (CBC): It can help identify anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia, which are common complications of plasma cell disorders.
- Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP): This test measures the amount of protein in your blood and identifies any abnormal protein patterns, such as monoclonal gammopathy.
- Urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP): This test measures the amount of protein in your urine and identifies any abnormal protein patterns, such as Bence-Jones protein, which is often seen in multiple myeloma.
- Beta-2 microglobulin (B2M): This test measures the level of B2M, which is a protein that is produced by all nucleated cells and is increased in plasma cell disorders.
- Serum calcium: This test measures the level of calcium in your blood and can identify hypercalcemia, which is a common complication of multiple myeloma.
- Renal function tests: These tests measure the level of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in your blood and can identify kidney damage, which is often seen in plasma cell disorders.
- Bone marrow biopsy: This is a procedure in which a small sample of bone marrow is taken and examined under a microscope to identify any abnormal cells or other signs of plasma cell disorders.
- Serum Free Light Chain Test
- Serum FLC Test
- Kappa/Lambda Ratio Test
- Freelite Assay
The serum free light chains test measures the levels of unbound kappa and lambda light chain molecules in the blood. It helps diagnose and monitor plasma cell disorders such as multiple myeloma, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and amyloidosis.
High levels of free light chains can indicate a problem with plasma cells, such as multiple myeloma, MGUS, or amyloidosis. An abnormal kappa/lambda ratio can specifically suggest the presence of a monoclonal gammopathy.
Yes, home sample collection is available for the SFLC blood test through some labs such as Metropolis Healthcare. This service offers convenience and comfort for patients who prefer to have their blood samples collected at home.
The normal range for kappa free light chains is 3.3 to 19.4 mg/L, while the normal range for lambda free light chains is 5.7 to 26.3 mg/L. The normal kappa/lambda ratio falls between 0.26 and 1.65.
The free light chain test is used to diagnose and monitor plasma cell disorders such as multiple myeloma, MGUS, and amyloidosis. It helps assess the levels of kappa and lambda free light chains and their ratio to identify any abnormalities in plasma cell function.
The frequency of testing depends on the specific condition being monitored. For example, patients with multiple myeloma or MGUS may need regular follow-up tests to monitor disease progression and response to treatment.
There is no specific time requirement for the serum free light chain assay test.
No, fasting is not required for the free light chain assay test.
Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. There are no other specific precautions needed for the serum free light chain test.
The parameters included in the serum free light chain assay test are the levels of kappa free light chains, lambda free light chains, and the kappa/lambda ratio. These measurements help diagnose and monitor plasma cell disorders.
The free light chain test should be done when your healthcare provider suspects a plasma cell disorder, such as multiple myeloma, MGUS, or amyloidosis, based on symptoms or other diagnostic findings. It is also used for monitoring disease progression and treatment response in confirmed cases.
The SFLC blood test itself takes only a few minutes, as it involves a simple blood draw.
The turnaround time for serum free light chain test reports can vary from lab to lab. Typically, results are available within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected and processed.
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