[sarahj1884]

High kappa/lambda ratio - cause for concern?

by sarahj1884 on Fri Apr 25, 2014 7:11 pm

I am new to all of this and not really sure what to think of my lab results. I have been battling anemia for some time now and have recently started seeing a hematologist. He gave me IV iron, which helped, but also ordered some more tests because of other issues I am having.

My results are below:

Lab Results:

KAPPA FREE LT CHAIN   1.27
LAMBDA FREE LT CHAIN  0.63
KAPPA/LAMBDA RATIO    2.02

TOTAL PROTEIN         7.4
ALBUMIN               5.08
ALPHA 1               0.19
ALPHA 2               0.63
BETA                  0.64
GAMMA                 0.87


So my question is: Everything is within range except for the kappa/lambda ratio. Is this something to be concerned about? Any thoughts are appreciated!

As for my doctor, he hasn't called me regarding any of this. My lab results get sent to me through email when they are resulted.

[Multibilly]

Re: High kappa/lambda ratio - cause for concern?

by Multibilly on Fri Apr 25, 2014 7:31 pm

Hi Sarah,


When you look at the lab page that has the info below (this is your Serum Protein Electrophoresis):

TOTAL PROTEIN 7.4
ALBUMIN 5.08
.....

There was probably a sentence somewhere on that page that talked about M-Protein, Paraprotein, M-Spike or something to do with the detection of a band. What did that sentence say?

[sjordan1884]

Re: High kappa/lambda ratio - cause for concern?

by sjordan1884 on Fri Apr 25, 2014 7:33 pm

All that is said was "Normal electrophoretic pattern. Suggest serum free light chains to rule out monoclonal free light chains, if clinically indicated."

[Multibilly]

Re: High kappa/lambda ratio - cause for concern?

by Multibilly on Fri Apr 25, 2014 9:17 pm

First off, I'm not a doc, so please check with one.

But based on what you just said, including having a normal SPEP and normal serum free light chain values, I don't think you need to worry about this being a monoclonal gammopathy (i.e. it is not multiple myeloma or one of its precursors). Under these circumstances, if the ratio is a little off, but your free light chain values are normal, I think your doctor will say not to worry about it.

Hope you get to the bottom of this.

Again, check this all out with your doc and good luck.