Beta 2 Microglobulin (B2M)

Immunology

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Description

Beta-2-Microglobulin (B2M) is a polypeptide chain component of the HLA/Major Histocompatibility Complex and occurs on the surface of all nucleated cells but more abundantly on lymphocytes, monocytes and on many tumour cell lines. It is a low molecular weight polypeptide and is known to cause dialysis related amyloidosis (DRA) in renal failure due to its accumulation and deposition in tissues. [1]

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Indications

Serum Beta-2 Microglobulin (B2M) is useful for prognosis and monitoring of lymphoproliferative disease such as multiple myeloma. Urine B2M is a marker of renal tubular dysfunction and renal transplant rejection.

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Sample Type

2mL Serum (Gel 5mL Yellow tube) or 20mL Urine (Urine samples should have pH adjusted to >6 using 0.1M NaOH). Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

Serum: 1.2 - 2.4 mg/L.
Urine: <0.3 mg/L (unstable in urine with pH <6.0).
Reference ranges established.

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Turnaround Time

Within 2 days

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Testing Frequency

Daily

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References

Winchester JF,Salsberg JA,Levin NW. Beta-2 microglobulin in ESRD: an in-depth review. Advances in Renal Replacement Therapy. 2003. 10(4):279-309. [Ref 1]
PRU Handbook of Autoimmunity 2007. [Ref 2]
Oetting WS, et al. Urinary beta-2 microglobulin is associated with acute renal allograft rejection. American Journal of Kidney Diseases. 2006. 47(5):898-904. [Ref 4]
Greipp PR, et al. International staging system for multiple myeloma. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2005. 23(15):3412-3420. [Ref 3]
Morra E. The biological markers of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas: their role in diagnosis, prognostic assessment and therapeutic strategy. Int J Biol Markers. 1999. 14:149-153.
Miyata T, et al. Beta-2 microglobulin in renal disease. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. 1998. 9(9):1723-1735.

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Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.