Free Light Chains: MedlinePlus Lab Test Information

What is a cost-free light chains take a look at?

Light-weight chains are proteins produced by plasma cells, a form of white blood mobile. Plasma cells also make immunoglobulins (antibodies). Immunoglobulins assist defend the body versus ailment and infections. Immunoglobulins are fashioned when light chains hyperlink up with hefty chains, another form of protein. When light chains hyperlink up with hefty chains, they are recognized as sure light chains.

Commonly, plasma cells make a small amount of money of additional light chains that really don’t bind with hefty chains. They are as a substitute unveiled into the bloodstream. These unlinked chains are recognized as cost-free light chains.

There are two types of light chains: lambda and kappa light chains. A cost-free light chains take a look at actions the amount of money of lambda and kappa cost-free light chains in the blood. If the amount of money of cost-free light chains is larger or lessen than typical, it can imply you have a disorder of the plasma cells. These incorporate multiple myeloma, a most cancers of plasma cells, and amyloidosis, a issue that leads to a dangerous buildup of proteins in distinct organs and tissues.

Other names: cost-free kappa/lambda ratio, kappa/lambda quantitative cost-free light, freelite, kappa and lambda cost-free light chains, immunoglobulin cost-free light chains