Alternative Name
Kappa by ISH
In Situ Hybridization (ISH)
Test Description
Each test contains a set of oligonucleotide probes. The intended target is the kappa light chain immunoglobulin messenger RNA (mRNA) in the cytoplasm of immunoblastic cells, plasma cells and plasmacytoid cells. Assessing the light chain immunoglobulin restriction is important in malignant lymphoma diagnosis. The relationship between monoclonal B-cell proliferation and light chain mRNA restriction aids in the distinction between neoplastic and reactive lymphoid proliferations and the evaluation of multiple myeloma, plasmacytoma, lymphomas with plasmacytoid features, immunoblastic lymphomas and reactive plasma cell proliferations.
Clinical Significance
Kappa and lambda probes are used to detect antibody producing B-cells or plasma cells in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. Restriction of light chain production to either kappa or lambda (monoclonality) can help distinguish between reactive and neoplastic B-cell and plasma cell proliferations.
Specimen Requirements




Storage and Transportation
CPT Code(s)*
88365 x 1 or 88364 x 1
Turnaround Time
48 hours
Level of Service
Stain Only
