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Immunology & Serology Home collection available

Free Light Chain (Kappa / Lambda)

Parameters1 tested
SampleBlood
FastingNot required
Report in24-48 hrs

How to prepare

No fasting needed

You can eat and drink normally before the test.

Good to know

No special preparation needed.

Medicines

Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.

Comfortable clothes

Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.

How it works

Book onlinePick a time slot
Home visitSealed, sterile kit
Lab testingBarcode tracked
ReportIn 24-48 hrs

About this test

Plasma cells make antibodies from heavy and light chains. Small amounts of free kappa and lambda light chains spill into the blood. This test measures both and their ratio, which becomes abnormal when one group of plasma cells grows out of control.

Why is this test done?

  • Screen for multiple myeloma and related disorders
  • Monitor myeloma treatment
  • Investigate unexplained kidney damage, anaemia or bone pain
  • Follow up MGUS

Symptoms — when should you get tested?

  • Bone pain, especially in the back
  • Tiredness from anaemia
  • Frequent infections
  • Foamy urine or kidney problems

Normal range

Free kappa 3.3 – 19.4 mg/L
Free lambda 5.7 – 26.3 mg/L
Kappa/lambda ratio 0.26 – 1.65

Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.

If your result is high

An abnormal ratio with one chain much higher suggests a plasma cell disorder. Both chains can rise together in kidney disease or inflammation, with a normal ratio.

Common reasons
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Light-chain amyloidosis
  • MGUS
  • Kidney disease (both chains high)

If your result is low

A low level of one chain with a raised other chain gives an abnormal ratio, which has the same meaning as above.

How is the test done?

  1. 1
    Book online

    Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.

  2. 2
    Blood sample taken

    A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.

  3. 3
    Tested in our lab

    Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.

  4. 4
    Report on WhatsApp

    A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.

Frequently asked questions

No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.

Your report is usually ready in 24-48 hrs after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.

Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.

This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.

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