OVERVIEW:
What is the beta-2 microglobulin lab test?
A beta-2 microglobulin lab test is a tumor marker test which measures the amount of beta-2 microglobulin in the blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid.
Why is the beta-2 microglobulin lab test done?
A beta-2 microglobulin lab test is done in order to:
- Determine the severity of cancer,
- Find out if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body,
- Plan treatment and monitor disease development,
- Monitor the effect of treatment,
- See if the cancer has spread to the brain and spinal cord.
What does a beta-2 microglobulin lab test measure?
A beta-2 microglobulin lab test measures the amount of beta-2 microglobulin circulating in the blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid. Beta-2 microglobulin is a type of tumor marker. Tumor marker are substances produced by the normal or cancer cells in response to cancer in the body.
Are there any risks associated with this test?
There are no known risks associated with this test.
How should I prepare for this test?
There is no special preparation needed for this test.
Which conditions other than cancer raise beta-2 microglobulin level?
Severe infections, infection caused by cytomegalovirus, inflammatory conditions, and autoimmune diseases increase beta-2 microglobulin level.
Can I choose either a blood or a urine beta-2 microglobulin lab test?
The sample required depends on the purpose of the test. Some instances may require a blood sample only whereas, some other may require a blood and a urine sample both. The results of both the tests are not interchangeable.
How long will it take for my test result to be available?
The result of this test will be available in a few days.
Increase in the level of beta-2 microglobulin means your cancer is spreading or your treatment is not working.
Decrease in the level of beta-2 microglobulin means your treatment is working.
Your beta-2 microglobulin level is not increasing nor decreasing means your disease is stable.
Your beta-2 microglobulin level decreased, but then later increased means your cancer has come back after being treated.
A beta-2 microglobulin lab test is done in order to:
- Determine the severity of cancer,
- Find out if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body,
- Plan treatment and monitor disease development,
- Monitor the effect of treatment,
- See if the cancer has spread to the brain and spinal cord.