Beta-2-Microglobulin, Urine
Order Code: BTA2MC
Test Summary
Beta-2-Microglobulin (B2M) is a low molecular weight protein that forms the light chain component of the histocompatibility antigen. It is synthesized by all nucleated cell types. It is an integral part of the class I MHC antigens and is present in all body fluids. B2M is filtered through the glomeruli of the kidney and is then reabsorbed and catabolised by the proximal tubular cells. In normal patients only trace amounts of B2M appear in the urine. Elevated urine B2M is seen in tubulo-interstitial disorders. Increased urine B2M is seen in cadmium exposure, diatrizoate, exercise, fever, nephrectomy, semen. There is evidence that monitoring B2M levels in HIV-infected individuals offers an independent predictor of progression to AIDS, leukemia and lymphoma.
Aliases
- N/A
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
10 mL urine collected in a Quest Diagnostic Beta-2 Microglobulin Transport tube (available through purchasing). If tube is unavailable, see step 5 of Instructions below.
Minimum Volume
10 mL
Instructions
1. Patient should void bladder, then drink at least 500 mL (approximately 17 oz) of water.
2. A urine sample should be collected within 1 hour.
3. Pour exactly 10 mL of random urine into a Quest Diagnostics Beta-2 Microglobulin Transport Tube (available through Client Supply).
4. Ship room temperature.
5. Alternatively, if the collection tubes are not available, the specimen pH must be adjusted to between 6 and 8 using 1N NaOH prior to shipping.
Beta-2 Microglobulin in urine is unstable in acidic urine (pH less than 6). Exactly 10 mL of urine in the Quest Diagnostics Beta-2 Microglobulin Transport Tube is required to achieve the required pH of between 6 and 8. Any volume above or below 10 mL will result in a pH that is outside the acceptable range.
2. A urine sample should be collected within 1 hour.
3. Pour exactly 10 mL of random urine into a Quest Diagnostics Beta-2 Microglobulin Transport Tube (available through Client Supply).
4. Ship room temperature.
5. Alternatively, if the collection tubes are not available, the specimen pH must be adjusted to between 6 and 8 using 1N NaOH prior to shipping.
Beta-2 Microglobulin in urine is unstable in acidic urine (pH less than 6). Exactly 10 mL of urine in the Quest Diagnostics Beta-2 Microglobulin Transport Tube is required to achieve the required pH of between 6 and 8. Any volume above or below 10 mL will result in a pH that is outside the acceptable range.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
N/A
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
- Room Temperature = 5 days
- Refrigerated = 15 days
- Frozen = 30 days
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
See Instructions
Unacceptable Specimens
Specimens received in a non-Beta-2 Microglobulin transport tube with a pH less than 6 • Any volume other than 10 mL urine in the transport tube • Any specimen with pH less than 6
Order Code
BTA2MC
EPIC (Premier) Code
LAB3548
Includes
N/A
CPT Code
- 82232
Billing Code
- 670599
CPT Statement
Methodology
Immunoturbidimetric Assay
FDA Status
FDA Approved
Physician Attestation of Informed Consent
N/A
Testing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly VA, 20153
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly VA, 20153
Department
Reference Testing
Reference Range
| <18 Years | Not established |
| Adults | ≤0.20 mg/L |
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday - Saturday; Report available: 4 days
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
10 mL urine collected in a Quest Diagnostic Beta-2 Microglobulin Transport tube (available through purchasing). If tube is unavailable, see step 5 of Instructions below.
Minimum Volume
10 mL
Instructions
1. Patient should void bladder, then drink at least 500 mL (approximately 17 oz) of water.
2. A urine sample should be collected within 1 hour.
3. Pour exactly 10 mL of random urine into a Quest Diagnostics Beta-2 Microglobulin Transport Tube (available through Client Supply).
4. Ship room temperature.
5. Alternatively, if the collection tubes are not available, the specimen pH must be adjusted to between 6 and 8 using 1N NaOH prior to shipping.
Beta-2 Microglobulin in urine is unstable in acidic urine (pH less than 6). Exactly 10 mL of urine in the Quest Diagnostics Beta-2 Microglobulin Transport Tube is required to achieve the required pH of between 6 and 8. Any volume above or below 10 mL will result in a pH that is outside the acceptable range.
2. A urine sample should be collected within 1 hour.
3. Pour exactly 10 mL of random urine into a Quest Diagnostics Beta-2 Microglobulin Transport Tube (available through Client Supply).
4. Ship room temperature.
5. Alternatively, if the collection tubes are not available, the specimen pH must be adjusted to between 6 and 8 using 1N NaOH prior to shipping.
Beta-2 Microglobulin in urine is unstable in acidic urine (pH less than 6). Exactly 10 mL of urine in the Quest Diagnostics Beta-2 Microglobulin Transport Tube is required to achieve the required pH of between 6 and 8. Any volume above or below 10 mL will result in a pH that is outside the acceptable range.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
N/A
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
- Room Temperature = 5 days
- Refrigerated = 15 days
- Frozen = 30 days
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
See Instructions
Unacceptable Specimens
Specimens received in a non-Beta-2 Microglobulin transport tube with a pH less than 6 • Any volume other than 10 mL urine in the transport tube • Any specimen with pH less than 6
Result Information
Methodology
Immunoturbidimetric Assay
Testing Laboratory
N/A
Reference Range
| <18 Years | Not established |
| Adults | ≤0.20 mg/L |
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday - Saturday; Report available: 4 days