Beta 2 Microglobulin, Serum

This test helps to measure the levels of beta-2 microglobulin in the blood. It is a protein that acts as a type of a tumor marker (substances which are produced in response to cancer). Although it is not a diagnostic test used to detect cancer, it provides insight about how severe the cancer is and predicts disease development.

This test may be ordered during the initial workup of a person who has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma in order to know the stage of the cancer and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. It may sometimes be ordered to help determine the prognosis in a person with myeloma, leukemia or lymphoma. This test can also help to determine kidney damage in people with kidney disease.