What happens during a beta-2 microglobulin tumor marker test?A beta-2 microglobulin test is usually a blood test, but may also be given as a 24-hour urine test, or as a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.For a blood test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.For a 24-hour urine sample, your health care provider or a laboratory professional will give you a container to collect your urine and instructions on how to collect and store your samples. A 24-hour urine sample test usually includes the following steps:Empty your bladder in the morning and flush that urine away. Record the time.For the next 24 hours, save all your urine in the container provided.Store your urine container in the refrigerator or a cooler with ice.Return the sample container to your health provider's office or the laboratory as instructed.For a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, a sample of spinal fluid will be collected in a procedure called a spinal tap (also known as a lumbar puncture). A spinal tap is usually done in a hospital. During the procedure:You will lie on your side or sit on an exam table.A health care provider will clean your back and inject an anesthetic into your skin, so you won't feel pain during the procedure. Your provider may put a numbing cream on your back before this injection.Once the area on your back is completely numb, your provider will insert a thin, hollow needle between two vertebrae in your lower spine. Vertebrae are the small backbones that make up your spine.Your provider will withdraw a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid for testing. This will take about five minutes.You'll need to stay very still while the fluid is being withdrawn.Your provider may ask you to lie on your back for an hour or two after the procedure. This may prevent you from getting a headache afterward.
