Serum Free Light Chains

Department of Immunology

This test is for the quantitation of serum free light chains, kappa and lambda, and the resulting kappa: lambda ratio. When tumours produce a monoclonal excess of only one of the light chains the kappa: lambda ratio becomes abnormal.
It is of value in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with light chain myeloma, non-secretory myeloma and primary light chain amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis). It will also be automatically added to patients with a new diagnosis of multiple myeloma, particularly in those with poor renal function.
Serum free light chain concentrations (kappa and lambda) are dependent on the balance between production and clearance by the kidneys. When there is renal impairment or an increase in polyclonal production the kappa: lambda ratio will remain normal.

Adult

5ml Gold-top SST tube or 3.5ml Rust-top gel tube (Trust users only)

Paediatric

1ml Serum Sample

7 days

2 weeks (whilst stored at 2 °C - 8 °C)