When will I know the results of my kappa free light chain test?
Your healthcare provider will let you know when you can expect your results from a kappa free light chain test. It may take anywhere from a few days to a week to receive results.
What do kappa free light chain test results mean?
Normal results from a kappa free light chain test depend on the testing method and the lab’s established reference ranges.
The normal ranges for free light chains are generally:
- 3.3 to 19.4 milligrams per liter (mg/L) kappa free light chains.
- 5.71 to 26.3 mg/L lambda free light chains.
- 0.26 to 1.65 ratio of kappa/lambda.
If your results are outside of the normal ranges, you may have a plasma cell disorder. Kidney disease, chronic inflammation or an immune system disorder can also cause high levels of free light chains in your blood. However, in these cases, abnormal results don’t necessarily indicate a plasma cell disorder.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
A kappa free light chain test is a quick blood test that measures certain proteins in your blood. High levels of these proteins may mean you have a plasma cell disorder. A healthcare provider might order a kappa free light chain test if you have symptoms such as bone pain or fatigue.
