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Test Code B2M Beta-2-Microglobulin, Serum

Reporting Name

Beta-2-Microglobulin, S

Useful For

Prognosis assessment of multiple myeloma

 

Evaluation of renal tubular disorders

Testing Algorithm

For more information, see Multiple Myeloma: Laboratory Screening

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum


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.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

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

Reference Values

1.21-2.70 mcg/mL

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

82232

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
B2M Beta-2-Microglobulin, S 1952-1

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
B2M Beta-2-Microglobulin, S 1952-1

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.

Clinical Reference

1. Bataille R, Magub M, Grenier J, Donnadio D, Sany J: Serum beta-2-microglobulin in multiple myeloma: Relation to presenting features and clinical status. Eur J Cancer Clin Oncol. 1982 Jan;18(1):59-66

2. Garewal H, Durie BG, Kyle RA, Finley P, Bower B, Serokman R: Serum beta-2-microglobulin in the initial staging and subsequent monitoring of monoclonal plasma cell disorders. J Clin Oncol. 1984 Jan;2(1):51-57

3. Norfolk D, Child JA, Cooper EH, Kerruish S, Ward AM: Serum beta-2-microglobulin in myelomatosis: potential value in stratification and monitoring. Br J Cancer. 1980 Oct;42(4):510-550

4. Dolan MJ, Lucey DR, Hendrix CW, Melcher GP, Spencer GA, Boswell RN: Early markers of HIV infection and subclinical disease progression. Vaccine. 1993;11(5):548-551

5. Karlsson FA, Wibell L, Evrin PE: Beta-2-microglobulin in clinical medicine. Scand J Clin Lab Invest. 1986;154:27-37

6. Greipp PR, Katzmann JA, O'Fallon WM, Kyle RA: Value of beta-2-microglobulin level and plasma cell labeling indices as prognostic factors in patients with newly diagnosed myeloma. Blood. 1988 Jul;72(1):219-223

7. Dietzen DJ, Willrich MAV: Amino acids, peptides, and proteins. In: Rifai N, Chiu RWK, Young I, Burnham CAD, eds. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2023:chap 31

Report Available

Same day/1 to 2 days

Method Name

Nephelometry

Forms

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