Beta 2 Microglobulin

Service Description

What is a beta-2 microglobulin tumor marker test? A beta-2 microglobulin tumor marker test measures the amount of a protein called beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) in your body fluids. The test usually uses a sample of your blood. It may also be done using urine (pee) or in rare cases cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). B2M is a type of tumor marker. Tumor markers are substances that are often made by cancer cells or by normal cells in response to cancer in the body. B2M is found on most of the cells in your body. Normally, you have only small amounts of B2M in your blood and urine. What is it used for? A beta-2 microglobulin tumor marker test is most often used if you have been diagnosed with certain cancers of the bone marrow or blood. Testing your B2M levels can help: Find out how much cancer is in your body Predict how your cancer will develop Pick your treatment and check whether it's working Check whether cancer has spread to your brain and/or spinal cord (This is done only if you have symptoms.) Why do I need a beta-2 microglobulin tumor marker test? If you have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or certain types of lymphoma, you may need a B2M test to find out how serious your disease is. B2M testing can help monitor your cancer and check whether your treatment is working. If you have multiple myeloma, you may need a B2M test to see whether your cancer is spreading. A test of a urine sample may also be needed to check whether your disease is affecting your kidneys. What happens during a beta-2 microglobulin tumor marker test? For a blood test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.