Beta-2-Microglobulin (B2M) is used to evaluate the prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma.

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Immediately following collection, mix sample by gently inverting 5 times

1. Allow sample to clot for a minimum of 30 minutes
2. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Red serum vial/tube - 5 mL

Red/grey serum separator (SST) vial/tube, 10 mL

1. Allow sample to clot
2. Spin
3. Transfer serum to a False bottom plasma/serum transport vial/tube (AHL), labelled as serum, within two (2) hours of sample collection

False bottom plasma/serum transport vial/tube (AHL)

Red/grey serum separator (SST) vial/tube, 10 mL

Refrigerated (preferred) - 7 days
Frozen (OK)

• Improper labels (unlabeled or mislabeled)
• Hemolysis (some procedures)
• Improper anticoagulant or ratio
• Delay in transport
• Improper storage temperature affecting results
• Improper container
• Leaking container resulting in compromised specimen
• Quantity not sufficient (QNS)

Turbidimetric

0.8 - 2.34 µg/mL

Serum levels are elevated in diseases associated with increased cell turnover. In multiple myeloma, B2M is a powerful prognostic factor and values <4 ìg/mL are considered a good prognostic indicator. Studies have shown that the median survival of patients with B2M values >4 ìg/mL was approximately 1 year, whereas median survival for patients with B2M values <4 ìg/mL was approximately 3.75 years.

Beta-2-Microglobulin is also elevated in chronic inflammation, liver disease, renal dysfunction, some acute viral infections, and a number of malignancies, especially hematologic disorders associated with the B-lymphocytes.

In renal tubular disease, serum B2M levels are low and urine levels are high.