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North West London Pathology > Tests > Beta-2-microglobulin (β2M)

Beta-2-microglobulin (β2M)

Category Biochemistry >> Proteins
Test background

β2M is a component of the MHC class I molecule that is responsible for mediating antigen presentation to cytotoxic T cells and is ubiquitous to all cell types (with the exception of erythrocytes). Up-regulation of β2M is observed in haematological malignancy (principally MM) and may facilitate prognostic information as a function of deterioration in glomerular function.
Clinical Indications

Monitoring of established haematological malignancy. Serum β2-microglobulin can be elevated in patients with lymphoproliferative, inflammatory and renal pathology. Its primary use in multiple myeloma is to stage tumour burden/load.

Reference range

1.2-2.4 mg/L. The International Staging System (ISS) for multiple myeloma is described in the BCSH/UKMF guidelines and a copy for reference is provided below:

Stage Criteria Median Survival in Months
I Serum ß2 microglobulin < 3.5 mg/L (296 nmol/l) and serum albumin > 35g/L 62 months
II Neither I or III 45 months
III Serum ß2 microglobulin > 5.5 mg/l (465 nmol/l) 29 months
Sample & container required SST (gold top)
Sample volume 0.5 mL
Transport storage Stable at 2-8°C for 72 hours. Please freeze pending dispatch for analysis. Sample can be sent by first class post.
Turnaround time 1 - 2 weeks
Notes

Heavily blood stained samples, old samples not stored at 4’C or -20’C, or very viscous samples may be inappropriate for analysis and/or produce equioval results. Samples must be sent fresh to the laboratory urgently.

Grossly haemolysed samples are unsuitable for this assay.