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Epic Test Code LAB49 Beta-2-Microglobulin, Serum

Additional Codes

MML Code: B2M

 

NY State Approved

Yes

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Reporting Name

Beta-2-Microglobulin, S

Method Name

Nephelometry

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 28 days
  Frozen  28 days
  Ambient  14 days


Specimen 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.


Bassett Healthcare Network Clinical Laboratories Note:

Blood Tube Draw Volume
Min 50% draw volume  

Specimen Type

Serum

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Reference Values

1.21-2.70 mcg/mL

Report Available

Same day/1 to 2 days

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

CPT Code Information

82232

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia OK
Gross icterus OK

Useful For

Prognosis assessment of multiple myeloma

 

Evaluation of renal tubular disorders

Testing Algorithm

For more information, see Multiple Myeloma: Laboratory Screening

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.

Specimen Retention Time

14 days

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830)

Cautions

Results determined by assays using different manufacturers or methods may not be comparable