Understanding Your Laboratory Test: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Matters
A test that measures beta-2 globulin and total protein levels in urine collected over 24 hours to evaluate kidney function.
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Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 97763-7
- Short code
- UB2GLOB
- Synonyms
- Beta2 Glob 24h MFr Ur Elph
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container (sterile, preservative-free or with appropriate preservative such as thymol or toluene)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 5
- Critical range
- 7.2 N/A – 7.6 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- electrophoresis
- CPT
- 84166 (Protein electrophoresis, with densitometry, urine); 81050 (24-hour urine volume measurement)
- SNOMED
- 313607000 |Protein electrophoretic pattern, urine|
- Specimen volume
- Entire 24-hour urine collection; minimum 10 mL aliquot required for analysis
- Stability
- Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
This test is a laboratory examination that helps your doctor evaluate your health by measuring specific substances in a sample of your blood, urine, or other body tissue in order to detect, diagnose, or monitor a medical condition.
The Beta-2 Globulin and Total Protein test in 24-hour urine is a laboratory test that measures two important substances in your urine: beta-2 globulin (specifically beta-2 microglobulin) and total protein. Beta-2 microglobulin is a small protein that is normally filtered by the kidneys and then reabsorbed back into the blood. When the kidneys are functioning properly, only very small amounts of this protein should appear in urine.
The test is performed by a trained healthcare professional who collects a small sample, most often blood drawn from a vein in your arm or a urine specimen, in a clinic or laboratory setting. The sample is labeled, sent for analysis, and the results are then shared with your doctor.
For this test, you will collect all your urine over a 24-hour period. You will be given a large container and detailed instructions. Typically, you will start by urinating into the toilet at the beginning of the collection period, noting the exact time. Then, for the next 24 hours, you will collect all urine in the provided container. At the end of 24 hours, you will urinate one final time and add that to the container. The container must be kept cold during collection and returned to the lab as soon as possible.
This test is important because it provides your healthcare team with valuable information about how your body is functioning, helps confirm or rule out a diagnosis, guides treatment decisions, and allows your doctor to monitor your condition over time so that potential problems can be caught and addressed early.
This test helps healthcare providers evaluate how well your kidneys are functioning, particularly the tiny tubules in the kidneys that reabsorb useful substances from the blood. When these tubules are damaged, beta-2 microglobulin leaks into the urine in higher amounts. The test can also help detect certain cancers (like multiple myeloma), autoimmune disorders, and infections that may affect kidney function.
Reference range
Beta 2 globulin: <5% of total urinary protein or <2.5 mg/24h; Beta 2/total protein ratio is typically interpreted qualitatively (normal, borderline, elevated)N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should be instructed to collect all urine over the 24-hour period without loss. Adequate hydration is recommended but avoid excessive fluid intake. Continue usual medications unless otherwise directed by physician.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated levels of beta-2 microglobulin in urine may indicate acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, renal tubular dysfunction, or damage to the kidney tubules from drugs or toxins. It may also be seen in certain conditions such as Balkan endemic nephropathy, Wilson's disease, or cadmium exposure. In some cases, elevated beta-2 microglobulin can be associated with certain cancers, particularly lymphoproliferative disorders like multiple myeloma or lymphoma. Total protein elevation in urine (proteinuria) can signal kidney damage from diabetes, hypertension, glomerulonephritis, or other conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Does this test require any special preparation?
Is the 24-hour urine collection painful?
What happens if I miss a urine sample during the 24-hour period?
How long will I need to collect urine?
When will I get my results?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy