[TiffanyMC]

Re: 15 year old with elevated lambda free light chains

by TiffanyMC on Mon Jul 25, 2016 11:22 pm

My daughter's appointment is tomorrow morning. I just noticed something on the blood work that was run that has led them to send us to UCLA Medical Center.

I don't believe they measured free light chains. Just total light chains. It says

Total, Serum

Kappa 288 74-295 mg/dL
Lambda 171 H 32-156 mg/dL
Kappa/lambda ratio 1.7

Then it has this note:

This assay provides a measurement of the total kappa and the total lambda light chains, i.e., the amount of free (unattached) light chain in circulation and the amount of light chain linked to heavy chain in intact immunoglobulin molecules. Assays for serum free light chain only, kappa and lambda with ratio, may be more useful in evaluating and managing light chain gam­mop­athies including those associated with myeloma, lympho­pro­liferative disorders and amyloidosis.

So am I correct that this particular test does not tell me the free light chains, but rather total?

I will print out the questions posed in the other post above and take it with me.

Thank you,
Tiffany

[Multibilly]

Re: 15 year old with elevated lambda free light chains

by Multibilly on Tue Jul 26, 2016 6:37 am

You understand this correctly. You really need the serum FREE light chain assay to evaluate and diagnose a plasma cell disorder such as myeloma. Good luck at the appointment and let us know how things turn out.

[TiffanyMC]

Re: 15 year old with elevated lambda free light chains

by TiffanyMC on Tue Jul 26, 2016 4:54 pm

No additional testing. No follow up. Just said it isn't due to multiple myeloma and sent us on our way. Not sure why the test results couldn't have been looked at by them and consult back with immunologist rather than have us drive 100 miles. But I guess this is good news. She still has an ultrasound follow up for ovarian cyst. Thanks for all your help.