Light chains It is a protein produced by plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. Plasma cells still produce immunoglobulins (antibodies). Immunoglobulins help protect the body from disease and infection. Immunoglobulins are produced by light. chains link up with heavy chains Different types of proteins. When it is bright chains link up with heavy chains They are colloquially referred to as bind light. chains .
Plasma cells normally absorb small amounts of auxiliary light. chains It does not bind with heavier ones. chains Instead, they are released into the bloodstream. This unbound light chains is known as awarded light. chains .
There are two similar lights chains lambda and kappa light. chains . A free light chains The test determines the amount of free light lambda and kappa chains In the blood. If the amount of free light, chains is higher or lower than normal, it could mean that there is a plasma cell disorder. These include multiple myeloma, plasma cell carcinoma, and amyloidosis, a condition that causes the accumulation of dangerous proteins in various organs and tissues.
Other names: kappa/lambda gift match, kappa/lambda quantitative gift light, freelitis, kappa and lambda sky light chains No immunoglobulin light. chains
What is it used for?
A free light chains This test is useful for diagnosing or monitoring plasma cell disorders.
Why is a toxicology test needed? chains test?
This test may be needed if there are signs of plasma cell disease. Depending on which plasma cell disease is present and which organs are affected, signs may include
- Bone pain
- Fatigue
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Swelling of the tongue
- Purple spots on the skin
What Happens During Free Light chains test?
The physician draws blood from a vein in the arm using a thin needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is drawn into a test tube or vial. Some pressure may be felt when the needle is inserted and removed. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Should I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is required for testing with FreeLight. chains test.
Are there any risks associated with FreeLight? chains test?
There are not sufficient risks associated with blood tests. Mild soreness or bruising may occur where the needle is inserted, but most signs disappear quickly.
What do the results mean?
The total will show the amount of Lambda and Kappa Free Light. chains FieldThis also provides a comparison of the two. If the total is not normal, it could mean that you have a plasma cell disorder such as
- Multiple myeloma
- Amyloidosis
- MGU (monoclonal hypergammaglobulinemia of undetermined significance). This is a condition in which abnormal protein levels are present. It often has few symptoms or subjective signs, but may develop into multiple myeloma.
- Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (WM), cancer of the white blood cells. Here’s a picture of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Is there anything else decent about free light that is aristocratic? chains test?
A free light chains This test is often used in combination with other tests, such as immunofixation blood tests, to prove or rule out a diagnosis.
It is offered by MedlinePlus, the State Medical Library.
