Beta-2 Microglobulin Random Urine Test Cost & Procedure

A protein with a low molecular weight called beta-2 microglobulin makes up the heavy chains in class I HLA (human leukocyte antigen) antigens. A protein called beta-2, which is a component of the human immune system, is present on the surface of practically all nucleated cells in your body. Blood has the highest concentrations of beta-2 microglobulin, while cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and urine have trace amounts. Most bodily fluids include beta-2 microglobulin and situations that enhance cell creation and/or destruction or that stimulate the immune system to use its level to grow.

Uses

• Additionally, beta 2 microglobulin can be utilized to evaluate kidney function and differentiate between glomerular and tubular renal diseases.
• The renal proximal tubules, which are organs that reabsorb water, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other essential substances, reabsorb beta 2 microglobulin after it has passed through the blood-filtering glomeruli in the kidneys.
• When the renal tubules are damaged or ill, there is a decreased ability to reabsorb this protein, which results in a rise in beta 2 microglobulin urine concentrations.
• Beta 2 microglobulin is typically only detected in trace amounts in the urine.
• Because the damaged glomeruli in the kidneys are unable to filter out beta 2 microglobulin, the blood level rises.
• Beta 2 microglobulin levels that are elevated in the blood and/or urine are an issue, but they may not necessarily reflect a specific disease or condition.
• If the beta 2 microglia praise level is significantly elevated in a patient with multiple myeloma or lymphoma, that patient is likely to have a worse prognosis.

Why is this test recommended?

• When known physical or suspected kidney damage develops, the beta-2 microglobulin urine test may be used to differentiate between glomerular and tubular issues with the kidney.
• Beta 2 microglobulin levels are not diagnostic for a particular disease because they rise under conditions involving high cell turnover and when the immune system is aroused.
• When someone has renal failure, it gives us more details about their kidney health and prognosis.

When is a urine test for beta-2 microglobulin ordered?

When a patient exhibits signs and symptoms of kidney dysfunction and a doctor wants to differentiate between conditions that affect the renal tubules and the glomeruli, blood and urine beta 2 microglobulin tests may be prescribed.

Some warning signs and symptoms could be:

• Frothy urine
• Red, pink, or brownish urine
• Urine contains protein.
• Drowsiness, weakness
• Nausea

To track individuals who have undergone kidney transplantation or who have been exposed to high levels of cadmium or mercury, a periodic beta-2 microglobulin urine test may also be prescribed.