Laboratory Blood Test: What You Need to Know
This test measures the amount of beta-2 globulin protein in your urine collected over 24 hours, helping doctors evaluate kidney function.
{"Measures beta-2 globulin protein in a 24-hour urine sample","Helps detect kidney damage or disease","Requires a complete 24-hour urine collection","Higher than normal levels may indicate kidney problems","The test uses electrophoresis to separate and measure proteins"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 32735-3
- Short code
- B2GU24
- Synonyms
- Beta2 Glob 24h Ur Elph-mRate
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container (sterile, preservative-free or with appropriate preservative as specified by laboratory)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.04
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- electrophoresis
- CPT
- 84165
- SNOMED
- 313080006
- Specimen volume
- Complete 24-hour urine collection; minimum 10 mL aliquot from well-mixed total volume
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Stable at room temperature for limited periods if refrigerated promptly after collection.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
A laboratory test is a medical procedure in which a small sample of your blood, urine, or other body fluid is analyzed in a lab to help your healthcare provider check how well your body is working.
The Beta-2 Globulin test measures the amount of a specific protein called beta-2 globulin in your urine. Beta-2 globulin is a type of protein normally found in blood. When the kidneys are healthy, they filter waste from the blood while keeping important proteins in the bloodstream. If the kidneys are damaged, proteins like beta-2 globulin can leak into the urine.
Your doctor may order this test as part of a routine checkup, to help diagnose a new health problem, to see how well a treatment is working, or to monitor an ongoing medical condition over time.
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of kidney problems, such as swelling in your hands or feet, foamy urine, fatigue, or changes in urination patterns. It helps doctors assess how well your kidneys are filtering proteins and can detect early kidney damage before more serious symptoms appear.
The test is most often done by drawing a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm with a thin needle, although some tests use a urine sample, a throat swab, or a quick finger stick instead.
This test requires a 24-hour urine collection. You will receive a special container from the lab. On the day of collection, start by urinating into the toilet when you wake up. For the next 24 hours, collect all urine in the container. Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place. Return the container to the lab as instructed after the 24-hour period is complete.
Your results show whether the measured values fall inside or outside the normal range, and your provider will explain what any high or low levels mean for your health and whether further testing is needed.
Normal results mean your kidneys are filtering properly and keeping proteins in your blood. Elevated levels of beta-2 globulin in urine may indicate kidney damage or disease. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your overall health, medical history, and other test results.
Reference range
0-0.04 mg/24h (varies by laboratory; consult reference lab for specific values)N/A
No special patient preparation required. Patient should maintain usual fluid intake unless otherwise instructed. Avoid strenuous exercise prior to collection as it may affect results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The Beta-2 Globulin test is clinically significant because it helps detect early kidney damage. Elevated urinary beta-2 globulin levels can indicate conditions such as chronic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, or other disorders affecting kidney function. The test is often used alongside other kidney function tests (like creatinine and BUN) to get a complete picture of kidney health. It may also be used to monitor disease progression or response to treatment in patients with known kidney disease.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 24-hour collection need to be done on a specific day?
What happens if I miss a urine sample during the 24-hour period?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Can I exercise during the collection period?
How long does it take to get 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