Serum or 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 be elevated in certain blood disorders.
["Free light chains help diagnose and monitor conditions like multiple myeloma or other plasma cell disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 46407-3
- Short code
- GH 1.5h p 1 g/kg Glc PO SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- GH 1.5h p 1 g/kg Glc PO SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- true
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of a blood disorder, such as unexplained fatigue, bone pain, frequent infections, or kidney problems. It may also be used to monitor treatment progress in patients with known conditions affecting plasma cells.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein (usually in your arm) to draw blood. If you’re on blood thinners, let your provider know before the test.
What the Test Results Mean
Results are compared to a general reference range for healthy adults. High levels may indicate conditions like multiple myeloma or other plasma cell dyscrasias, while low levels are less commonly significant but may warrant further investigation.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used alongside other blood tests to diagnose or track conditions such as multiple myeloma, Waldenström macroglobulinemia, or other monoclonal gammopathies.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Elevated free kappa light chains can signal abnormal plasma cell activity, which may lead to symptoms like anemia, kidney damage, or bone lesions. Monitoring these levels helps guide treatment decisions.
Short name
Free Kappa Light Chain
Frequently asked questions
What causes free kappa light chains to be elevated?
How often should this test be repeated?
Can diet or lifestyle affect this test result?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy