[Restlessrebel]

Lambda / kappa ratio - how to calculate it?

by Restlessrebel on Thu Jan 28, 2016 11:02 am

I am hoping someone can help me figure out what my lambda / kappa ratio is.

I have been seeing an oncologist since 2012 due to my lambda light chain level, which was discovered to be high on a routine physical.

It varies between 730 and 1,300. I get checked every 3 month's. At my check up in December, it was 745. My kappa was at 7.1.

My other test were:

Test Dec 2015 Sep 2015
IgA 159 133
IgG 805 708
IgM 29 25

The only other test that have changed from December to now are:

Test Dec 2015 Jan 20, 2015
WBC 6.3 5.8
Polys- 57 45
Polys Abso. 3.6 2.6
Monocytes 7 9
MCV 94 91.7
Lymphocytes 34 42

I realize my levels on most of my CBC are within the normal levels, I just keep an eye on changes. I just had a bone marrow biopsy last week and I am awaiting the results.

Thank you in advance for anyone who can help me understand. You are all in my prayers.

[Jonah]

Re: Lambda / kappa ratio - how to calculate it?

by Jonah on Thu Jan 28, 2016 6:36 pm

Hi Restless,

Light chain ratios are exactly what they sound like they should be – one number divided by the other.

So, for example, the kappa-lambda light chain ratio is calculated by dividing your kappa light chain level by your lambda light chain level. In your case, that would be (7.1/745) = 0.0095.

Your lambda-kappa light chain ratio is just the opposite (reciprocal) of that number, or (745/7.1) = 104.9.

Two important things to remember when it comes to the light chain numbers used in discussions about MGUS and multiple myeloma.

First of all, they should be results from SERUM (blood) tests, not urine tests.

Second, they should be FREE light chain numbers. Sometimes people get results that are for their TOTAL light chain levels. You have to make sure you're looking at FREE light chain levels and ratios.

Good luck!

[Restlessrebel]

Re: Lambda / kappa ratio - how to calculate it?

by Restlessrebel on Thu Jan 28, 2016 10:49 pm

Thank you so much for your response. Mine are blood, not urine, and are lambda free light chain.

I appreciate your help,