Serum/Plasma Free Light Chain Kappa (Immunoassay)
This test measures the amount of free kappa light chains in your blood, which are small protein fragments produced by plasma cells. These fragments can help diagnose conditions like multiple myeloma or other blood disorders.
["Free kappa light chains may indicate abnormal plasma cell activity that could signal blood cancer or other immune system disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47025-2
- Short code
- CK 5/6 Ag Tiss Ql ImStn
- Synonyms
- CK 5/6 Ag Tiss Ql ImStn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 22
- Ref high
- 198
- Critical range
- — – 10000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- immune-stain
- CPT
- 82553
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Your healthcare provider may order this test to help diagnose a medical condition, check how well an organ is working, or monitor a health problem you already have. It can also be used to screen for certain diseases before symptoms appear, or to see how well your current treatment is working.
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like unexplained fatigue, frequent infections, bone pain, or kidney problems. It’s also used to monitor conditions like multiple myeloma, lymphoma, or other plasma cell disorders. Sometimes, it’s part of a broader evaluation for unexplained anemia or kidney function issues.
This test measures specific substances in your body, such as cells, chemicals, or proteins, to give your provider important information about your health. A small sample is collected from you and analyzed in a laboratory using specialized equipment and carefully controlled methods.
A small blood sample is drawn, and the kappa light chains are measured using an immunoassay method, which detects and quantifies these protein fragments in your serum or plasma.
Follow all instructions from your healthcare provider before the test. You may need to fast for several hours, avoid certain foods, drinks, or medications, or drink extra water. Tell your provider about every medicine and supplement you take, and ask questions if anything is unclear.
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a larger blood work panel. Avoid heavy meals or alcohol before drawing blood.
The test is usually quick and simple. A trained healthcare professional will collect your sample, which may involve drawing blood from a vein in your arm or using another easy method. You may feel a brief pinch or mild discomfort, but most people return to their normal activities right away.
You’ll lie down comfortably while a healthcare professional inserts a needle into your arm. A small amount of blood is collected into a tube. The process usually takes a few minutes, and you may feel a slight pinch or sting. The site is then cleaned and bandaged.
Reference range
Adult males: 22-198 U/L; Females: 22-198 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Inform provider of any chest pain or symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Free Kappa Light Chain
Frequently asked questions
Elevated levels of free kappa light chains can signal multiple myeloma or other plasma cell dyscrasias, where abnormal plasma cells produce too many light chains. High levels may also indicate kidney damage or other blood disorders. Low or normal levels are generally not concerning unless part of a broader diagnostic workup.
High results may suggest conditions like multiple myeloma, where plasma cells overproduce light chains. Your doctor will review your full clinical picture, including symptoms and other test results, to determine the next steps. Further testing or monitoring may be needed to guide treatment.
If you have a known condition like multiple myeloma, your doctor may order this test regularly to monitor your disease progression or response to treatment. For routine health checks, this test is rarely ordered unless symptoms or other test results suggest a need.
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy