| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Free Light Chains
MessagePerforming Lab: Central Laboratory
Test Code
4956
Alias/See Also
Sunquest; FLCS
Free Light Chains Serum
Free Kappa +Lambda Light Chains with Ratio Serum
Free Light Chains Serum
Free Kappa +Lambda Light Chains with Ratio Serum
CPT Codes
83883
Preferred Specimen
2.0 mL Serum
Sample must be aliquoted into aliquot tubes (InPeco) prior to sending.
Sample must be aliquoted into aliquot tubes (InPeco) prior to sending.
Minimum Volume
1.0 mL Serum
Transport Container
InPeco aliquot tubes
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Frozen: 30 days
Refrigerated: 21 days
Room Temp: 7 days
Refrigerated: 21 days
Room Temp: 7 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Moderate-Gross Hemolysis or Lipemia
Methodology
Nephelometry
Setup Schedule
Monday-Friday
Report Available
Same Day
Reference Range
| Free Kappa | 0.33-1.94 mg/dL |
| Free Lambda | 0.57-2.63 mg/dL |
| Kappa/Lambda ratio | 0.26-1.65 |
***These assays have not been validated for the pediatric population.***
Clinical Significance
Immunoglobulin molecules consist of two identical heavy chains which define the immunoglobulin class and two identical light chains. Each light chain is covalently linked to a heavy chain and the two heavy chains are linked covalently at the hinge region. In healthy individuals, the majority of light chain in serum exists in this form, bound to heavy chain. However, low levels of free light chain (FLC) are found in serum of normal individuals due to the over-production and secretion of FLC by the plasma cells
Elevated serum levels of monoclonal FLC are associated with malignant plasma cell proliferation (e.g. multiple myeloma), AL amyloidosis (AL) and light chain deposition disease (LCDD). Raised serum levels of polyclonal FLC may also be associated with autoimmune diseases such as SLE.
HealthPartners Central Laboratory utilizes a sensitive nephelometric assay specific for kappa free light chain (FLC) and lambda free light chain (FLC) that doesn't recognize light chains bound to heavy chains. This automated nephelometric assay is reported to be more sensitive than Immunofixation (IF) for detection of monoclonal FLC. In some patients with NSMM, AL or LCDD the FLC assay provides a positive identification of a monoclonal serum light chain when the serum IF is negative
Elevated serum levels of monoclonal FLC are associated with malignant plasma cell proliferation (e.g. multiple myeloma), AL amyloidosis (AL) and light chain deposition disease (LCDD). Raised serum levels of polyclonal FLC may also be associated with autoimmune diseases such as SLE.
HealthPartners Central Laboratory utilizes a sensitive nephelometric assay specific for kappa free light chain (FLC) and lambda free light chain (FLC) that doesn't recognize light chains bound to heavy chains. This automated nephelometric assay is reported to be more sensitive than Immunofixation (IF) for detection of monoclonal FLC. In some patients with NSMM, AL or LCDD the FLC assay provides a positive identification of a monoclonal serum light chain when the serum IF is negative
