Overview
Antibodies are secreted by plasma cells, and are made up of two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains. There are two types of light chain - κ (Kappa) and λ (Lambda).
Serum free light chains is a measure of the light chains (Bence-Jones protein) not bound to antibody.
Elevated serum free light chains alone have little significance, and may be related to polyclonal antibody production or renal impairment.
Abnormal Kappa/Lambda Ratio
Normal Range
- 0.31 - 1.56
An elevated or reduced kappa / lambda ratio suggests clonal expansion of one light chain type.
Causes of Abnormal Kappa / Lambda Ratio
- Multiple myeloma
- Smouldering myeloma
- Monoclonal gammopathy of unclear significance (MGUS)
- Solitary plasmacytoma
- AL amyloidosis
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