Lambda Light Chain Test Cost & Procedure

 White blood cells called plasma cells stimulate the proteins called light chains. Immunoglobulins are also produced by plasma cells. (antibodies). Immunoglobulins aid in the body's defence against disease and infections.

When light chains and heavy chains, a different kind of protein, combine, immunoglobulins are created. Bound light chains are created when two light chains connect with a heavy chain. The extra light chains that plasma cells normally produce don't interact with heavy chains. Instead, they are dispersed into the blood.

Free light chains are these unconnected chains. Lambda and kappa light chains are two different kinds of light chains. The quantity of lambda and kappa free light chains in the blood is determined by a free light chains test.

What does it serve?

A free light chains test is used to detect or track diseases of the plasma cell.

What makes a free light chains test necessary?

If you experience symptoms of a plasma cell disease, you might require this test. Your symptoms could be any of the following depending on the plasma disease you may have and which organs are impacted:

• a bone ache

Fatigue

• Arms and legs tingling or feeling numb
• swollen tongue
• cutaneous purple patches

What takes place during a test of free light chains?

• A small syringe will be utilized by a medical practitioner to bring out blood from a vein in your arm.

Preparation:

A free light chains test doesn't require any additional preparation on your part.

What do the findings indicate?

• The amounts for lambda and kappa kappa-free ht chains will be displayed in your results
•  Additionally, it will present a contrast between the two.
• If your test results were abnormal, you might be suffering from one of the following plasma cell disorders: Amyloid myeloma multiplex MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance). Your protein levels are abnormal in this condition. It frequently has no signs or issues, however it can occasionally turn into multiple myeloma.
• White blood cell cancer called Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a condition.