Serum or Plasma Kappa Light Chain Immunoglobulin (Free Kappa Light Chain)
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 kappa light chains help diagnose and monitor conditions like multiple myeloma or other plasma cell disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 15189-4
- Short code
- Kappa LC/Lambda Ser
- Synonyms
- Kappa LC/Lambda Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- 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 Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if they suspect a condition affecting plasma cells, such as multiple myeloma, lymphoma, or other blood cancers. It may also be used to monitor treatment progress or check for abnormal protein production in conditions like monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood, similar to a routine blood draw. If you’re taking blood thinners or have a history of bleeding disorders, let your provider know before the test.
What the Results Mean
Elevated levels of free kappa light chains can indicate conditions like multiple myeloma, where plasma cells produce too many abnormal proteins. Very low levels might suggest other issues, such as severe immune system problems or certain infections. Your provider will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to diagnose or track multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. It may also help identify other plasma cell disorders, such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or light chain amyloidosis.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated levels of free kappa light chains are strongly associated with multiple myeloma and other plasma cell dyscrasias. These conditions can cause symptoms like fatigue, bone pain, frequent infections, or kidney problems. Monitoring these levels helps guide treatment decisions and assess disease progression or response to therapy.
Short name
Free Kappa Light Chain
Frequently asked questions
What causes free kappa light chains to be elevated?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect my free kappa light chain levels?
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