Sign in →

Test Code B2MU Beta-2 Microglobulin, Random, Urine


Specimen Required


Patient Preparation: For 12 hours before specimen collection, do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7) which is commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins.

Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Container/Tube: Plastic, urine tube

Specimen Volume: 1.0 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Patient should empty bladder.

2. Have patient drink at least 0.5 liters of water.

3. Within 1 hour, collect a random urine specimen.

4. Add 1 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as preservative to the collection. This preservative is intended to achieve an approximate pH of between 6 and 8.


Useful For

Evaluation of renal tubular damage

 

Monitoring exposure to cadmium and mercury

Method Name

Automated Chemiluminescent Immunometric Assay

Reporting Name

Beta-2 Microglobulin, U

Specimen Type

Urine

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Urine Frozen (preferred) 14 days
  Refrigerated  48 hours

Reject Due To

Specimen with pH <6 Reject

Clinical Information

Beta-2 microglobulin is a low-molecular-weight protein that forms the light chain component of class I histocompatibility (HLA: human leukocyte antigen) antigens. Because of its low molecular weight (11,800 daltons), 95% of free beta-2 microglobulin is rapidly eliminated by glomerular filtration. Proximal tubular cells then take up 99.9% of this filtered amount by endocytosis, after which degradation to amino acids occurs. Normal urinary excretion of beta-2 microglobulin is less than 370 micrograms per 24 hours; higher rates are interpreted as evidence of tubular dysfunction.

 

Increased urine levels are seen in proximal tubular renal damage due to a variety of causes including Wilson disease, Fanconi syndrome, untreated congenital galactosemia, nephrocalcinosis, cystinosis, chronic potassium depletion, interstitial nephritis, connective-tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren syndrome. Occupational exposure to heavy metals such as cadmium and mercury could also lead to increase levels of beta-2 microglobulin in urine.

Reference Values

≤300 mcg/L

Day(s) Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

82232

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830) with the specimen.