BETA-2-MICROGLOBULIN
Also known as
B2M, Thymoxin, B2M, β2-Microglobulin
This test is ordered to evaluate how severe some cancers are and their charted progression. These include multiple myeloma and some lymphomas. It may also be ordered to monitor people who have been exposed to cadmium, kidney damage, and disorders.
The Beta 2 Microglobulin test is ordered when you have been diagnosed with certain cancers or multiple myeloma. It also aids in the monitoring of disease prognosis, activity, and treatment. In addition, if you have symptoms related to kidney dysfunction, the test may be ordered.
This is a blood, urine, or CSF test. The blood test requires a sample drawn from a vein in your arm. In some cases, a 24-hour urine sample is required, and in rare cases, a cerebrospinal fluid sample is needed. This is done using a procedure called a lumbar puncture or spinal tap.
There is no preparation for this test.
Beta-2 microglobulin is a protein that is found on the surface of nearly all the cells in the body. The protein is shed by the cells into the blood, especially the B lymphocytes and tumor cells. Protein is also present in most body fluids. The levels of protein present rise with conditions that increase cell production or destruction, or trigger a response from the immune system. This test measures the presence of beta-2 microglobulin in the blood. Beta-2 microglobulin is present in high levels in the blood with cancers like multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and other inflammatory infections and disorders like HIV and CMV. Since the level of beta-2 microglobulin rises with blood cell cancers, it is useful as a tumor marker. ‘ The beta-2 microglobulin level may also be higher in the cerebrospinal fluid sample of people that have blood cancer that has spread into the brain. It may also be higher in some chronic disorders like multiple sclerosis and other viral infections like HIV. On the other hand, in the kidneys, the test passes via the glomeruli, which are the blood filtering units, and is absorbed into the renal proximal tubules, which are structures that reabsorb water, proteins, minerals, and other substances. In general, small amounts of B2M are detectable in the urine, but when these structures get damaged, the B2M concentrations increase because the ability to reabsorb the protein goes down.
The test is used as a tumor marker for people that have blood cell cancers. While it does not diagnose a specific disease, it has been linked to a certain amount of cancer present in the body, also known as tumor burden. This is used by the doctor to give additional information about someone’s prognosis. The test is ordered to gauge the severity and stage of multiple myeloma, the prognosis of lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. It may also aid the evaluation of disease activity and the effectiveness of treatment. Sometimes a CSF sample is required to see if there is a central nervous system involvement. High levels of beta-2 microglobulin are linked to larger tumor masses and reduced kidney function in patients with myeloma. It is also linked to worse prognosis and higher disease stages.
The test is ordered during the initial work-up of a patient that has multiple myeloma. The test helps stage the disease and also evaluates the degree of activity of cancer. It also aids in gauging the effectiveness of treatment. It also aids in charting the prognosis. If interference with the nervous system is suspected, a CSF B2M may be ordered. In terms of kidney disease, if an individual is showing symptoms of kidney dysfunction, the test may be ordered. Signs include:
- Swelling or puffiness, especially near the eyes or in the face, wrists, or ankles
- Foamy, bloody, pink, or brownish urine
- Protein in the urine
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea
If a patient has higher levels of beta-2 microglobulin in the urine or the blood, it is an indication that there is some kind of issue. However, it does not provide any kind of diagnosis. What it reflects is disease activity and the presence of cancer. Patients that have lymphoma or multiple myeloma may have a poorer prognosis if the amount of B2M present is high. If the test is being used to monitor treatment, lower levels over a period of time indicate that the treatment is going well. Low levels of B2M are normal. When related to kidney disease, high levels of B2M in the blood and lower levels in the urine point to glomerular dysfunction in the kidney. If it is low in the blood and high in the urine, the disease is linked to renal tubule damage. High levels of B2M are linked to dialysis-related amyloidosis in dialysis patients. It is also linked to cardiovascular disease and death in patients with dialysis and kidney disease. Higher levels of B2M in the urine after a kidney transplant may point to kidney rejection.
Frequently ordered together
Microalbumin 24 Hour Urine
Blood Urea Nitrogen BUN
Creatinine Serum
Microalbumin Urine
Renal Function Test
Ultrasound Kidney
Blood Urea Nitrogen BUN-Creatinine Ratio
Kidney Profile
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