Beta-2 microglobulin (Urine)

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

UBNI

Test Code (Numeric Code)

3125

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

See pre-testing requirement section for details on specimen collection and transport.

Transport

Hand-deliver the urine directly to Specimen Services Reception (level 3, LabPLUS) AS SOON AS IT IS PASSED. Make the Specimen Services Reception staff aware of the sample's arrival.

Registration

NOTE TO Automation Staff: - Fill out the yellow Sample Tracking Form when phone call indicating sample is being sent is received and give a copy to Specimen Services and Front-End staff. NOTE TO Specimen Services Staff: - Automation staff will notify and give the yellow Sample Tracking Form when sample is due to arrive. - Post registration, hand-deliver sample and Sample Tracking Form IMMEDIATELY to Automation staff to check for urine pH.

Laboratory

- Test ALL urine B2MG samples for pH by pH meter. Refer to urine B2MG method for more information. - Double check whether there are tests OTHER THAN urine B2MG requested. *Tris-Cl buffer containing pots are stored in the walk-in freezer FA09B* *1M NaOH is stored on the ALSS urine bench in pot labelled BETA 2 MICROGLOBULIN, URINE*

Test Adds Requirement

Note: Additional urine tests If additional urine tests are required, a separate plain urine collection (no additives) is NECESSARY. Any tests, other than beta-2 microglobulin, requested on a urine collected in Tris-Cl buffer will be REJECTED.

Sample Stability

When pH is adjusted to 7-9: 5 days at 15-25°C, 14 days at 2-8°C,12 weeks at -20°C

Associated Tests

Synonyms

B2MG, Urine B2 Microglobulin, urine beta 2 microglobulin, Beta-2 microglobulin, urine

Turnaround Time

1 day

Specimen Type

  • Urine

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Specimen Container
Acceptable
  • Please refer to Additional Information below
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

20

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

20

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Specimen Container
Acceptable
  • Please refer to Additional Information below
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

20

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

18

Pre-testing Requirements

As beta-2 microglobulin is unstable at pH<7.0, urine must be collected in Tris-Cl buffer. Request form needs to be marked as "URGENT" . Call the laboratory Automation section via LabLINK ext 22000 prior to sample collection : 1. To alert them that a urine beta-2 microglobulin sample will be coming (provide patient details). 2. To obtain a urine pot containing 1mL Tris-CI buffer from the laboratory via Lamson tube. Once urine sample collected: 3. IMMEDIATELY pour at least 20mls of urine into the Tris-Cl buffer containing pot. 4. Hand-deliver the urine directly to Specimen Services Reception (level 3, LabPLUS) AS SOON AS IT IS PASSED. Make the Specimen Services Reception staff aware of the sample's arrival.

Additional Specimen Information

Specimen: Casual/Spot urine.
Avoid first void urine in the morning. Ensure adequate hydration. Collect a random, fresh, mid-stream urine.

Last updated: 23/07/2026