Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Heavy and Light Chain (HLC) Pairs, Kappa and Lambda with Ratio
Use
The Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Heavy and Light Chain (HLC) Pairs test measures the kappa and lambda chains along with their ratio, which can aid in the assessment of clonal plasma cell disorders. The kappa and lambda light chain ratio can suggest the presence of a monoclonal protein, which is often associated with conditions such as multiple myeloma or other plasma cell dyscrasias. An elevated IgA kappa to lambda ratio may suggest a kappa clone proliferation, while a low ratio may indicate a lambda clone.
Special Instructions
Centrifuge immediately after coagulation to avoid hemolysis. After centrifugation, aliquot the serum into a plastic vial and refrigerate for stable storage.
Limitations
Results from the IgA kappa, lambda, or their ratio should not be interpreted as standalone indicators. Clinical history and other relevant laboratory findings must also be considered. Additionally, therapeutic drugs' effects on the IgA quantitation by this assay are not established, and minor increases in monoclonal IgA proteins might not alter ratio results significantly.
New York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Turbidimetric)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 74773-3
- 74864-0
- 74865-7
- 74869-9
Result Turnaround Time
6-10 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.75 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge immediately after coagulation (30 minutes) to prevent hemolysis. Aliquot 0.75 mL of serum into a plastic vial. Send refrigerate.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate the specimen.
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis, Lipemia, Microbially-contaminated specimen, Specimen containing particulate matter
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |