Serum Free Light Chain Assay Test - Kappa And Lambda - Freelite Serum

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:

1. 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.
2. Monitor Multiple Myeloma: The test helps to monitor the progress of multiple myeloma and assess the effectiveness of treatment.
3. 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.
4. Evaluate Organ Function: Elevated levels of free light chains may indicate damage to organs such as the kidneys, which can lead to renal dysfunction.
5. 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:

1. Multiple myeloma: In this condition, there is an abnormal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to the overproduction of FLCs.
2. Other cancers: Abnormal FLC levels can also be seen in other types of cancer, such as lymphoma.
3. Kidney disease: The kidneys normally filter out excess FLCs from the blood, so abnormal FLC levels can be seen in kidney disease.
4. 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:

1. Complete blood count (CBC): It can help identify anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia, which are common complications of plasma cell disorders.
2. Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP): This test measures the amount of protein in your blood and identifies any abnormal protein patterns, such as monoclonal gammopathy.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Serum calcium: This test measures the level of calcium in your blood and can identify hypercalcemia, which is a common complication of multiple myeloma.
6. 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.
7. 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.