Beta-2 Microglobulin, Urine

Diagnostic Use

Raised levels of urine beta-2 microglobulin are associated with the presence of renal tubular damage.

Department

Protein Lab

Delphic Registration Code

CUP

Turnaround Time

4 days

Test Code

7570

Specimen Type

• Urine

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Pottle

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

2

No of Samples Required

1

Additional Specimen Information

Deliver to laboratory as soon as the fresh urine sample is passed and at the laboratory check pH. If the pH is less than 6, immediately adjust the pH of the urine to 7-9 by adding drop-wise 1M NaOH.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Urine

Minimum Volume (ml)

1

Transport to Lab

Ambient (8 - 24 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Deliver to laboratory as soon as the fresh urine sample is passed and at the laboratory check pH. If the pH is less than 6, immediately adjust the pH of the urine to 7-9 by adding drop-wise 1M NaOH.

Interpretation

Beta-2 microglobulin is a low-molecular-weight protein that forms the light chain component of class I histocompatibility (HLA: human leukocyte antigen) antigens.
Increased urine levels are seen in proximal tubular renal damage due to a variety of causes, including cadmium, mercury, lithium, or aminoglycoside toxicity; pyelonephritis; and Balkan nephropathy, a chronic interstitial nephritis of unknown etiology.
Beta-2 microglobulin excretion is increased 100 to 1000 times normal levels in cadmium-exposed workers.

Reference Intervals

<0.2 mg/L

Test Method

Nephelometric immunoassay by Siemens BNII.

Non-Funded Test Cost

$34.55 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

7570

Contact Information

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