ß2 Microglobulin (ß2M), Serum 

Specimen requirement Serum
Adult patient:

  Clotted blood tube (Serum gel separator clot activator tube)

Minimum blood volume: 5 mL

Paediatric patient:

Paediatric clotted blood tube

Number of vials: 1

Minimum blood volume: 1.3 mL

Authorisation code required

Yes

 
24 Hr available service No
Method Immunoassay
Reference interval Serum:

0.8 - 2.2 mg/L

(Source: from manufacturer kit insert 2016-03, V 5.0.)

Clinical indication As a sensitive means for diagnosing proximal tubular dysfunction

As a prognostic marker of multiple myeloma
Result interpretation

Elevated serum concentrations in the presence of a normal glomerular filtration rate suggest increased ß2M production or release.  Increased levels may be seen in lymphoproliferative diseases such as multiple myeloma, ß-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; systemic lupus erythematosus; rheumatoid arthritis; Sjogren's syndrome; Crohn's disease; and certain viral infections, including cytomegalovirus, non-A and non-B hepatitis and infectious mononucleosis.

Elevated serum levels have also been observed in some haemodialysis patients and in renal transplant rejection.
Measurement of uncertainty See table.
Frequency of measurement 2 weeks