Laboratory Medicine
Test Directory / Beta-2-Microglobulin
Beta-2-Microglobulin
Brown clotted serum, gel barrier
| Test | Beta-2-Microglobulin |
|---|---|
| Common Abbreviations | B2M |
| Profile | NA |
| Tube type | Brown clotted serum, gel barrier |
| Clinical Indication | Used as a tumour marker in the monitoring of myeloma, lymphoma and leukaemia. Raised levels in renal patients may indicate dialysis-related amyloidosis or transplant rejection. Less commonly, measurement of B2M in serum and urine may be used to distinguish between glomerular and tubular causes of proteinuria. |
| Specimen Type | Blood |
| Sample type | Serum |
| Minimum Volume | 0.5mL If requesting more than 10 tests please send an additional brown clotted serum sample. |
| Special Precautions | No special requirements |
| Stability | 3 days at 2-25°C |
| Turnaround Time | Inpatient: 24 hours Outpatient/ GP: 24 hours |
| Laboratory | York |
| Reference Interval | Adults: 0.8 - 2.2 mg/L - New range as of 03/04/18 (Quoted by manufacturer) |
| Limitations | Raised levels of beta 2 microglobulin may be observed in any condition where there is increased cell turnover or immune activity e.g. CMV and HIV infection, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. |
| Notes |
