title: Serum beta2-microglobulin values among healthy Brazilians using a DPC IMMULITE assay.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study was designed to determine the normal range of serum beta 2-microglobulin (Sb2M) levels among healthy volunteers in Brazil. Levels of Sb2M are elevated in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and have been shown to be the best predictor of HIV infection status and of some malignant disorders, especially multiple myeloma. In order to achieve its optimal use in Brazilian clinical diagnosis, an adequate reference interval study was performed for Sb2M IMMULITE assay, based on the fact that its reference range limits were evaluated among European populations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-six healthy blood donors were evaluated, and Sb2M levels were measured by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay using the IMMULITE automated analyzer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A normal range of Sb2M values, established by a nonparametric statistical method, was 1.05 to 3.9 mg/mL, with the upper limit being higher than that reported elsewhere.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study presented new data indicating that there is a significant difference between the current reference limits for Sb2M IMMULITE assay and those found in Brazil, providing evidence that significant differences in range of normal values may occur among different populations, and that these new values should be considered for Brazilian individuals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Analysis, Science and Health Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fabíola Branco
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Filippin
authors.forename: Liliete Canes
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Souza
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001782:Blood Donors; D001938:Brazil; D005260:Female; D006678:HIV / Q000276:immunology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin