Free κ and λ Light Chains Plus Ratio, Quantitative, Urine
Also known as: Free Light Chains, Quantitative, Urine, Kappa Free Light Chains, Quantitative, Urine, Kappa:Lambda Free Light Chains Ratio, Quantitative, Urine, Kappa:Lambda Free Light Chains, Quantitative, Urine, Lambda Free Light Chains, Quantitative, Urine
Use
The test measures the free kappa and lambda light chains in the urine, along with the calculated kappa/lambda ratio. This is useful for identifying and monitoring lymphoproliferative disorders such as multiple myeloma, where abnormal levels of these light chains indicate disease presence or progression. An abnormal ratio in urine may suggest lymphoproliferative diseases, but serum tests are generally preferred for their sensitivity in detecting monoclonal gammopathy. Urine tests can be useful when serum tests are not conclusive or when high concentrations of polyclonal free light chains interfere with Bence Jones protein quantification.
Special Instructions
Values obtained with different assay methods should not be used interchangeably in serial testing. Consistent use of the same assay method is recommended for monitoring therapy. This test is designed for one-time use; if serial monitoring is required, please order test number 121243. It is important to ship the urine specimen as soon as possible after collection.
Limitations
The test may be misleading in specimens with high levels of urinary polyclonal free light chains but absent Bence Jones protein by urine immunofixation. This necessitates correlation with urine immunofixation to verify results. The test may not provide reliable results despite high free light chain presence in disease progression; the serum test is better for sensitivity and detection in a standard setup.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 44792-0
- 38176-4
- 38178-0
- 41759-2
Result Turnaround Time
2-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
1.5 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Plastic urine container
Collection Instructions
Ship the specimen as soon as possible.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated (preferred) or room temperature
Causes for Rejection
Microbially contaminated specimen; specimen containing particulate matter
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |