Serum or Plasma Free Light Chain Immunoassay (Quantitative)
This test measures the levels of free light chains (kappa or lambda) in your blood, which are small protein fragments produced by plasma cells. These fragments can help diagnose conditions affecting plasma cells, such as multiple myeloma or other blood disorders.
["This test helps identify abnormal protein fragments linked to certain blood diseases."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 88136-7
- Short code
- VZV Ocflu Ql Cult
- Synonyms
- VZV Ocflu Ql Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- 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 recommend this test if you have symptoms like unexplained fatigue, frequent infections, bone pain, or if they suspect conditions like multiple myeloma, lymphoma, or other plasma cell disorders. It may also be used to monitor treatment progress or check for recurrence of these conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re on blood-thinning medications, let your provider know before the test.
What the Test Results Mean
Results show the concentration of free kappa and lambda light chains separately. Elevated levels in one type (kappa or lambda) may indicate a plasma cell disorder, while balanced levels are typically normal. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to diagnose or monitor multiple myeloma, Waldenström macroglobulinemia, and other plasma cell dyscrasias. It can also help detect light chain amyloidosis or other conditions affecting protein production in the blood.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal light chain levels can signal serious blood disorders. For example, an imbalance between kappa and lambda chains may indicate multiple myeloma, where plasma cells produce too many abnormal light chains. These fragments can accumulate in the blood or kidneys, leading to kidney damage or other complications. Regular monitoring helps manage these conditions and prevent complications.
Short name
Free Light Chain Test
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal result mean?
How often should I get this test?
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