Beta 2 Microglobulin (B2M) Serum Test

Beta 2 Microglobulin (B2M) Serum Test Overview

Beta 2 microglobulin (B2M) serum test is used by doctors to understand the risk of certain blood and bone marrow cancers in patients. The conditions most closely linked with this test are multiple myeloma, types of lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).

As a serum test, the aim of this test is to check your blood for the level of B2M it is carrying. B2M is created by cancer cells in your body or by normal cells in response to the presence of cancer in your body.

The beta 2 microglobulin serum test helps doctors understand the extent of cancer growth in patients and treatment efficacy for existing cancer. This test can’t be used to diagnose cancer independently.

When is Beta 2 Microglobulin (B2M) Serum Test Prescribed?

As a tumour marker the beta 2 microglobulin serum test is prescribed by doctors when patients have been diagnosed with certain types of blood and bone marrow cancer. Here’s a look at some of the ways doctors prescribe this test.

●     To check if cancer has spread to the brain and spinal cord

●     Checking the efficacy of cancer treatment

●     Understanding the possibility and predicting cancer growth

●     Diagnosing the cancer affected areas in the body

Components of Beta 2 Microglobulin (B2M) Serum Test

A beta 2 microglobulin serum test checks for the level of B2M protein in your blood. The normal range of B2M in your blood is 1.09 to 2.53 mg/L. Here is a look at conditions that relate to higher or lower than normal levels of B2M in your blood.

●     Higher levels of B2M in your body increase your risk of cancer and can also mean that the cancer treatment being currently used is proving to be ineffective

●     Lower than normal B2M levels in your body, if you have multiple myeloma can indicate kidney problems

●     If your B2M serum levels have reduced over time, it means the cancer treatment is working, if the value hasn’t changed, it means the condition has not grown further

Procedure and Prerequisites

The beta 2 microglobulin serum test is performed by drawing blood from the veins of a patient. The collected sample is then sent for testing. There are no prerequisites for going through this test for patients.