24-Hour Urinary Free Lambda Light Chain Measurement
This test measures the amount of free lambda light chains excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. Light chains are small protein fragments produced by plasma cells, which can indicate conditions affecting plasma cell function.
["This test helps assess abnormal protein production, often linked to multiple myeloma or other plasma cell disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 88302-5
- Short code
- Lambda LC Free 24h Ur Ql IFE
- Synonyms
- Lambda LC Free 24h Ur Ql IFE
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 400
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- immunofixation
- CPT
- 82670
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like unexplained fatigue, frequent infections, bone pain, or kidney issues. It may also be used to monitor plasma cell disorders, track treatment progress, or diagnose conditions affecting protein balance in your body.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. Collect your urine over a 24-hour period, starting and ending with your first morning urine of the next day. Store samples properly and return them to your lab on time.
How the Test Works
Your urine is analyzed to measure free lambda light chains, which are fragments of antibodies. This test helps detect abnormal production of these fragments, often linked to conditions like multiple myeloma or other plasma cell dyscrasias.
Possible Results and Interpretation
Elevated levels may suggest conditions like multiple myeloma, where plasma cells produce too many light chains. Normal or low levels do not definitively rule out these conditions, so further testing may be needed.
Reference range
Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Free Lambda Light Chain (24h Urine)
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal light chain levels in urine?
How often should this test be repeated?
Can diet or medications affect this test?
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