Kappa

Alias/Synonym: Immunoglobulin Light Chain Kappa

CPT Code: 88342

Includes:

Specimen Type, Preferred:

Formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue

Specimen Type, Alternate:

Sample Quantity, Preferred:

1 block

2 slides

Sample Quantity, Minimum:

N/A

Transport Container:

Paraffin block

Unstained slides

Transport Temperature:

Room temperature

Collection Instructions:

Block and slide identifiers should be clearly written and match exactly with the specimen ID and specimen labeling as noted on the requisition.

Slides should be positively charged and cut at 3-4 microns for each stain/antibody ordered.

Specimen Stability:

N/A

Rejection Criteria:

No liquid specimens.

Uncharged slides

Clinical Significance:

Immunoglobulins are polypeptides and comprise five major classes; immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, IgM, IgD and IgE. Each immunoglobulin consists of two identical heavy (H) chains and two identical light (L) chains. These are also subdivided into sub classes e.g. IgG1. There are two classes of light chain; kappa and lambda. The ratio of kappa chains and light chains varies between Ig classes and sub classes, but is also species specific. In humans, approximately 60 percent of light chains are kappa. However, in any particular immunoglobulin molecule the light chain will be either kappa or lambda. B cells contain either kappa or lambda mRNA. Restriction of light chain expression to either all kappa or all lambda is a sign of monoclonality, supporting the diagnosis of a neoplastic B-cell proliferation.

Limitations:

Turnaround Time:

1 day(s)

Reference Ranges:

N/A

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