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Test Identifier Information

 
Registration CodeSFLC
Method

End-point Nephelometry using Siemens BNII nephelometer and The Binding Site "Freelite reagent".

Diagnostic Use / Indications
The serum free light chains assay is useful in the initial work-up of all plasma cell disorders.  An increase in kappa or lambda FLC with an abnormal kappa:lambda ratio can indicate excess monoclonal free light chain production.
 
FLC assays are useful in monitoring of amyloidosis, light chain myeloma, and non-secretory myeloma and multiple myeloma. 
FLC levels change rapidly (half-life is a few hours) compared with intact immunoglobulins (half-life is several weeks) making the FLC assay useful for monitoring the response to chemotherapy or other interventions.
External Price$66.09(Exclusive of GST)
  

Specimen Collection

 
Specimen Collection Protocols

NOTE: Moderate to marked lipaemic samples may interefere with analysis

Patient SpecimenBlood 5-10 mL Plain (Red)
Paediatric SpecimenBlood 0.4 mL Plain (Red)
  

Instructions for Referral to CHLabs

 
Aliquot InstructionsMinimum 250 uL, Preferred >0.5 mL Serum. Refrigerate.
Aliquot Transport to CHLOn ice or ambient
  

CHLabs Laboratory

 
DepartmentBiochemistry - Protein Laboratory
Contact Details Email Email
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Contact Phone Number(03)3640334 | x80334
Test AvailabilityMonday - Friday 8.00 am - 4.00 pm
Turnaround Time1-3 days
Reference Interval
 MinimumMaximum
Kappa319
Lambda626
Kappa : Lambda Ratio0.261.65

 

 

Interpretation
The serum free light chains assay is useful in the initial work-up of all plasma cell disorders.  An increase in kappa or lambda FLC with an abnormal kappa:lambda ratio can indicate excess monoclonal free light chain production .
  • In polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia , both kappa and lambda FLC are increased, with a normal ratio.
  • In renal failure , both kappa and lambda FLC are increased, and the ratio may be increased up to 3.1.
  • In biclonal gammopathies, both kappa and lambda may be increased with a normal or abnormal ratio.
FLC assays are useful in monitoring of amyloidosis, light chain myeloma, and non-secretory myeloma and multiple myeloma. 
FLC levels change rapidly (half-life is a few hours) compared with intact immunoglobulins (half-life is several weeks) making the FLC assay useful for monitoring the response to chemotherapy or other interventions.
 

Undetected antigen excess is a rare event but cannot be excluded. If free light chains results do not accord with other clinical or laboratory findings, please contact the Protein Lab so that further investigations can be made. 

Uncertainty of Measurement

Free Kappa Light Chains 15 %

Free Lambda Light Chains 15 %

Variation in results between different laboratories is a recognised phenomenon by the manufacturer of this assay. It is recommended that serial monitoring of serum free light chains is from the same laboratory.

Additional Information

Refer to Protein Chemistry Lab Ext 80334.

Delphic Number Test Number3786

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