lambda light chains/serum kappa

[agatha]

Hello

My rheumatologist has ordered loads of tests - most are familiar but I don't know two of them:
Lambda light chains
serum Kappa

Does anyone know what these are please?
best wishes
agatha

[wifajax]

Hi Agatha!

Kappa and lambda light chain tests are typically used when multiple myeloma is being considered. Kappa and lambda light chains are normally attached to immunoglobulins in the blood, but can be found unattached in the blood and urine. There are a variety of causes for this, but multiple myeloma is the most common.

I've attached a link for you to read that explains the kappa and lambda light chain tests.

Terri

http://http://myeloma.org/pdfs/UnderstandingFreeLight.pdf (http://http//myeloma.org/pdfs/UnderstandingFreeLight.pdf)

[MILLMILL81]

Hi agatha:rotfl:
Hi I have Myeloma I also have lupus and sjogren your rhematologist might suspect Myeloma in my case I have kappa high and the ratio of kappa/lambda is usually high in myeloma but if you have but light chain high usually the ratio is normal this found in renal impairtment or lupuslet me know what are the result ok take care and good luck
mill

[agatha]

Hi there!
Thanks for these replies. Myeloma sounds a bit scary but I hope the doc is just being thorough.
bw
agatha