What does a high beta 2 microglobulin serum mean?

People with cancers of the bone marrow and blood often have high levels of B2M in their blood or urine. These cancers include multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and leukemia. High levels of B2M in cerebrospinal fluid can mean that cancer has spread to the brain and/or spinal cord.

Is Beta 2 microglobulin the same as beta globulin?

Beta globulins are a group of globular proteins in plasma that are more mobile in alkaline or electrically charged solutions than gamma globulins, but less mobile than alpha globulins. Examples of beta globulins include: beta-2 microglobulin.

What is the function of β 2 microglobulin?

Impaired renal function and hyperproduction of beta 2-microglobulin are both associated with increased serum levels. A function for beta 2-microglobulin as a modulator of lymphocyte surface and as a potential regulator of the immune system is proposed.

What is microglobulin serum?

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.

What does elevated beta 2 mean?

Beta 2 micro globulin is a component molecule of the cells in the human body. Its levels tend to be elevated when a person is suffering from a particular type of cancer. This feature of the Beta 2 micro globulin makes it useful in the diagnosis of various types of diseases.

What is the normal range for beta globulin?

Normal range of globulins is 2.3-3.5 gm/dL. Alpha globulin range is 0.2-0.3 g/L and optimal beta globulin range is 0.7-1.0 g/L.

What is B2 microglobulin test?

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.

What is beta 2 micro?

Beta-2 microglobulin ( b2m ) is a naturally occurring protein in the human body. It is one of two polypeptide chains that make up the structure of a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I molecule. Certain characteristics of b2m make it suitable for detecting tumor cells, especially in blood and kidney cells.