Beta 2 Microglobulin
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Group of blood proteins involved in immune function
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🧪 Beta-2 Microglobulin (β2M) Test
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Test Name | Beta-2 Microglobulin (β2M) |
Sample Type | Blood (Serum) and/or Urine |
Fasting Required | ❌ Not required |
Method | Immunoassay (often Nephelometry or ELISA) |
Turnaround Time | 1–3 days |
Department | Hematology / Oncology / Nephrology |
🧬 What Is Beta-2 Microglobulin?
Beta-2 Microglobulin is a low molecular weight protein that forms a component of MHC Class I molecules found on the surface of most nucleated cells. It is released into the blood during cell turnover, particularly of lymphocytes.
β2M is filtered by the kidneys and almost completely reabsorbed and broken down in the proximal tubules. Therefore, elevated levels in blood or urine can indicate various conditions involving the immune system, malignancies, or kidney dysfunction.
🧠 Organs/Systems Involved
Organ/System | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|
Kidneys | β2M accumulates in renal dysfunction |
Lymphatic/Immune | Produced during lymphocyte activation (e.g. lymphoma, myeloma) |
Bone Marrow | Marker for blood cancers |
🎯 Why Is This Test Done?
Purpose | Details |
|---|---|
📈 Cancer staging & prognosis | Multiple myeloma, lymphoma, leukemia |
🧬 Monitor disease progression | Especially in multiple myeloma |
🧪 Assess kidney function | Detect tubular damage if β2M appears in urine |
🛡️ Evaluate immune activation | In autoimmune or inflammatory conditions |
📊 Interpretation
Specimen | High Levels Indicate |
|---|---|
Serum | - Multiple myeloma or lymphoma staging |
Urine | - Proximal renal tubular dysfunction (e.g., Fanconi syndrome, heavy metal toxicity) |
💡 Note: β2M must be interpreted alongside renal function tests (urea, creatinine, eGFR), especially in cancer monitoring.
🩺 Associated Conditions
Condition | Relation |
|---|---|
Multiple Myeloma | Key marker for prognosis and tumor burden |
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) | Reflects tumor activity and lymphocyte turnover |
Lymphoma | Used in staging and follow-up |
Renal Tubular Disease | Urinary β2M used to detect early tubular damage |
Autoimmune Diseases | Elevated due to immune activation (e.g., lupus, RA) |
🔬 Recommended Additional Tests
Test | Why? |
|---|---|
Serum Creatinine & eGFR | Evaluate kidney filtration |
Urine Protein Electrophoresis | To rule out Bence-Jones proteins in multiple myeloma |
Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) | Detect M-protein in myeloma |
Serum Free Light Chains | Myeloma activity tracking |
Bone Marrow Biopsy | Confirm plasma cell or lymphoid malignancy |
📋 Quick Summary Table
Test | Beta-2 Microglobulin (β2M) |
|---|---|
Sample | Serum and/or Urine |
Fasting Required | ❌ No |
System Assessed | Immune, Kidney, Hematological |
Clinical Uses | Myeloma staging, kidney function, inflammation assessment |
Commonly Paired With | SPEP, UPEP, Light Chains, Creatinine, eGFR |
Rising Levels Suggest | Cancer burden, renal failure, or immune activation |
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