Free Lambda light chains in urine

In the world of immunology, free lambda light chains are part of immunoglobulin molecules that can be detected in urine and serum. In this regard, the free Lambda light chains in urine analysis available at IntroLab laboratory in Belgrade are particularly important as they can indicate various medical disorders, including malignant lymphoproliferative diseases such as multiple myeloma.

What is the free Lambda light chains in urine analysis?

The free Lambda light chains in urine analysis is a laboratory test that measures the amount of these substances in urine. Free Lambda light chains are part of immunoglobulin molecules. Specifically, they are one of the types of light chains found in immunoglobulins. Under normal circumstances, these chains are present in small amounts in serum and urine. However, certain diseases, such as malignant lymphoproliferative diseases (e.g., multiple myeloma), can lead to increased production of these chains, which can result in their increased excretion in urine.

Why is this urine analysis performed?

This analysis is often used to monitor disease or response to therapy in patients where standard tests, such as urine protein electrophoresis, do not provide the necessary information. It can also detect and monitor patients with monoclonal gammopathy, where serum tests may be more sensitive for detecting residual monoclonal free chains after therapy.

What sample is analyzed?

A urine sample is required for this analysis, typically the first-morning sample.

How are the results interpreted?

Normal values for free Lambda light chains in urine are 0.27−15.21 mg/L. Elevated levels of free Lambda light chains may indicate the presence of Bence-Jones proteins. These proteins are closely associated with multiple myeloma.

Analysis specifics

Free Lambda light chains typically exist as dimers in serum, which can lead to different glomerular filtration rates compared to free Kappa light chains. Higher levels of polyclonal free light chains in urine may indicate renal or autoimmune diseases. An abnormal ratio of free light chains in urine may indicate malignant diseases.

Related analyses

In addition to the free Lambda light chains in urine analysis, other analyses are often recommended. Some of these include serum free light chain tests, urine protein immunoelectrophoresis, and serum protein electrophoresis.