Beta-2 microglobulin, Serum

Diagnostic Use

Beta 2 microglobulin is a small membrane protein (11,800 Dalton) associated with the heavy chains of class I major histocompatibility complex proteins and is, therefore on the surface of all nucleated cells. The small size allows beta 2 microglobulin to pass through the glomerular membrane, but it is almost completely reabsorbed in the proximal tubules.
Serum beta 2 microglobulin levels are elevated in diseases associated with increased cell turnover. Levels are also elevated in several benign conditions such as chronic inflammation, liver disease, renal dysfunction, some acute viral infections, and a number of malignancies, especially haematologic malignancies associated with the B-lymphocyte lineage.

Department

Protein Lab

Delphic Registration Code

SB2

Synonyms

B2M
Beta 2m

Turnaround Time

4 days

Test Code

6752