Beta 2 Microglobulin Serum Test
A beta 2 microglobulin serum test evaluates the severity and prognosis of multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; detects kidney damage and distinguishes between glomerular and tubular kidney disorders.
Description
The beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) blood test is used to help detect kidney damage and follow kidney disorders, to help evaluate the severity and prognosis of certain cancers such as multiple myeloma and some lymphomas, and it is sometimes used to monitor people who are exposed to cadmium.
This test may be used when known physical or suspected kidney damage occurs to distinguish between glomerular and tubular disorders of the kidney. Increased levels of B2M in the blood indicate that there is a problem, but they are not diagnostic of a specific disease or condition.
The B2M test may be ordered when a person has the following symptoms associated with kidney dysfunction:
- Swelling or puffiness around the eyes or in the face, ankles or wrists
- Protein in the urine or urine that is foamy or bloody
- Weakness or fatigue
- Nausea
This test also may be ordered during the initial workup of a person who has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma in order to stage the disease and periodically to evaluate disease activity and monitor the effectiveness of treatment. It may sometimes be ordered when a person has myeloma or lymphoma to help determine their likely prognosis.
