Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
- Serum
Sample Processing in Laboratory
Usual
Sample Preparation
This assay is only available on serum.Turnaround Time
5 daysSample Stability
Samples are stable for 21 days when stored at 4 CSerum Free Light Chains
General Information
Used in diagnosis and monitoring of Multiple Myeloma, and Monoclonal gammopathy of Undetermined significance.
To improve the service to our users we have upgraded the instrumentation for this assay from Binding Site SPA analyser to Binding Site OPTILITE analyser. This has not affected the methodology used or the ranges for this assay. However, this assay now lies outside the scope of our accreditation by UKAS. UKAS have been informed and will assess the assay as an extension to scope at their next inspection visit October 2018. This is normal procedure when a change from one analyser platform to another occurs.
Patient Preparation
None
Notes
This test may rarely give falsely low results when the serum FLC level is extremely high. If this is suspected, please contact the laboratory to arrange re-testing
Pathology Harmony have recently issued guidance on appropriate tumour marker requesting. For information please click on the following link:
http://www.pathologyharmony.co.uk/harmony-bookmark-v7.pdf
If you would like some copies of the bookmark please contact the Duty Biochemist (bleep 2506).
Reference Range
Reference Ranges updated 10/10/2024
Age <70 yrs
Serum free kappa light chain 6.3- 39.0 mg/L
Serum free lambda light chain 5.9- 36.7 mg/L
Free kappa: Free lambda ratio = 0.44 - 2.16
Age >=70 yrs
Serum free kappa light chain 7.0- 55.8 mg/L
Serum free lambda light chain 6.4- 48.0 mg/L
Free kappa: Free lambda ratio = 0.46 - 2.59
Specifications
- EQA Scheme?: Yes
-
EQA Status:
Participate in NEQAS EQA scheme
