Free lambda light chains in serum

The immunoglobulin molecule consists of two types of chains It contains two identical heavy chains and two identical kappa or lambda light chains. The kappa and lambda light chains are produced by plasma cells. The light chains are produced in excess of the heavy chains, Therefore, the excess is released into the serum in the form of free kappa and lambda light chains. Lambda molecules are synthesized more slowly than kappa but are also filtered more slowly in the kidneys, which is why the the concentration of both types of chains is balanced. An increase in the amount of of free light chains may be indicative of renal failure, lymphoproliferative disease, biclonal multiple myeloma, polyclonal inflammatory response.