Home
HelpTest Code B2M Beta-2-Microglobulin, Serum
Reporting Name
Beta-2-Microglobulin, SUseful For
Prognosis assessment of multiple myeloma
Evaluation of renal tubular disorders
Testing Algorithm
For more information, see Multiple Myeloma: Laboratory Screening
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Frozen | 28 days | ||
| Ambient | 14 days |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
1.21-2.70 mcg/mL
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
82232
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| B2M | Beta-2-Microglobulin, S | 1952-1 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| B2M | Beta-2-Microglobulin, S | 1952-1 |
Clinical Information
Beta-2-microglobulin (beta-2-M) is a small membrane protein (11,800 Da) associated with the heavy chains of class I major histocompatibility complex proteins and is, therefore, on the surface of all nucleated cells. The small size allows beta-2-M to pass through the glomerular membrane, but it is almost completely reabsorbed in the proximal tubules.
Serum beta-2-M levels are elevated in diseases associated with increased cell turnover. Levels are also elevated in several benign conditions such as chronic inflammation, liver disease, kidney dysfunction, some acute viral infections, and a number of malignancies, especially hematologic malignancies associated with the B-lymphocyte lineage.
In multiple myeloma, beta-2-M is a powerful prognostic factor, and values less than4 mcg/mL are considered a good prognostic factor.
In renal tubular disease, serum levels are low and urine levels are high. Although urine beta-2-M has been used to assess tubular dysfunction, it is not stable in urine below pH 5.5.
For more information see Multiple Myeloma: Laboratory Screening
Interpretation
A serum beta-2-microglobulin (beta-2-M) value of less than 4 mcg/mL is a good prognostic factor in patients with multiple myeloma. In a study of pretreatment serum beta-2-M levels in 100 patients with myeloma, it was reported that the median survival of patients with values greater than 4 mcg/mL was 12 months, whereas median survival for patients with values less than 4 mcg/mL was 43 months.
Clinical Reference
1. Bataille R, Magub M, Grenier J, Donnadio D, Sany J: Serum beta-2-microglobulin in multiple myeloma: Relation to presenting features and clinical status. Eur J Cancer Clin Oncol. 1982 Jan;18(1):59-66
2. Garewal H, Durie BG, Kyle RA, Finley P, Bower B, Serokman R: Serum beta-2-microglobulin in the initial staging and subsequent monitoring of monoclonal plasma cell disorders. J Clin Oncol. 1984 Jan;2(1):51-57
3. Norfolk D, Child JA, Cooper EH, Kerruish S, Ward AM: Serum beta-2-microglobulin in myelomatosis: potential value in stratification and monitoring. Br J Cancer. 1980 Oct;42(4):510-550
4. Dolan MJ, Lucey DR, Hendrix CW, Melcher GP, Spencer GA, Boswell RN: Early markers of HIV infection and subclinical disease progression. Vaccine. 1993;11(5):548-551
5. Karlsson FA, Wibell L, Evrin PE: Beta-2-microglobulin in clinical medicine. Scand J Clin Lab Invest. 1986;154:27-37
6. Greipp PR, Katzmann JA, O'Fallon WM, Kyle RA: Value of beta-2-microglobulin level and plasma cell labeling indices as prognostic factors in patients with newly diagnosed myeloma. Blood. 1988 Jul;72(1):219-223
7. Dietzen DJ, Willrich MAV: Amino acids, peptides, and proteins. In: Rifai N, Chiu RWK, Young I, Burnham CAD, eds. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2023:chap 31
Method Description
Concentrations of beta-2-microglobulin are determined by nephelometry.(Instruction manual: Siemens Nephelometer II Operations. Siemens, Inc., Newark, DE)
Report Available
Same day/1 to 2 daysSpecimen Retention Time
14 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Nephelometry
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830)
Secondary ID
9234Cautions
Results determined by assays using different manufacturers or methods may not be comparable