What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your surface light chain levels mean for your immune health and overall well-being. These notes include personalized recommendations such as lifestyle modifications, when to seek specialist care, or whether additional testing is needed. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your levels over time using our trends feature, which is especially helpful for monitoring immune function or treatment progress.

When will I get my results?

Results for surface light chain testing are typically available within 3-5 business days after your blood sample reaches the laboratory. Complex immune system tests require specialized analysis, which takes a bit longer than routine blood work. You'll receive an email notification as soon as your results are ready to view in your secure online account.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is important for people with unexplained fatigue, bone pain, frequent infections, or kidney problems that might indicate an immune disorder. It's also recommended if you have a family history of multiple myeloma or related blood cancers, elevated protein levels on previous blood work, or if your doctor suspects a plasma cell disorder. Anyone experiencing persistent symptoms without a clear diagnosis should consider this screening.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms that may warrant this test include persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, unexplained bone pain (especially in the back or ribs), frequent infections or slow healing, unexplained weight loss, or excessive thirst. You might also need this test if you've experienced weakness, numbness in your legs, confusion, or if routine blood work showed elevated protein levels or anemia without a clear cause.

What are surface light chains and why do they matter?

Surface light chains are small proteins produced by plasma cells, which are specialized immune cells that make antibodies to fight infections. In healthy people, these proteins are produced in a balanced ratio between two types: kappa and lambda. When this balance is disrupted, it can indicate that abnormal plasma cells are multiplying, which may be a sign of conditions like multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer affecting bone marrow and immune function.

What does an abnormal kappa/lambda ratio mean?

An abnormal ratio between kappa and lambda light chains suggests that one type of plasma cell is producing too many proteins compared to the other, which isn't normal. This imbalance can indicate conditions ranging from benign immune disorders to more serious conditions like multiple myeloma or lymphoma. Your doctor will consider this result along with your symptoms and other test results to determine what's causing the imbalance and whether further evaluation is needed.

What should I do if my surface light chain results are abnormal?

If your results show an abnormal kappa/lambda ratio, the first step is to follow up with your healthcare provider or see a hematologist who specializes in blood disorders. They may recommend additional tests like a complete blood count, bone marrow biopsy, or imaging studies to get a complete picture. Early detection of plasma cell disorders is important, and many conditions can be effectively managed or treated when caught early.

How often should I retest my surface light chains?

If your initial test is abnormal, your doctor will likely recommend retesting every 3-6 months to monitor for changes or progression. For people being treated for plasma cell disorders, more frequent testing every 1-3 months may be needed to track treatment response. If your results are normal but you have ongoing symptoms or risk factors, annual monitoring may be recommended to catch any changes early.