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Beta 2-Microglobulin Unit Converter
Beta 2-Microglobulin (β2-M) is a low-molecular-weight protein (11.8 kDa) found on the surface of nearly all nucleated cells as the light chain component of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class I molecule. It is shed into the blood at a constant rate and eliminated exclusively by the kidneys via glomerular filtration, followed by near-complete reabsorption in the proximal tubules.
Clinically, β2-M is a versatile biomarker. In Nephrology, serum levels serve as an accurate marker of Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), while urinary levels indicate proximal tubular damage. In Oncology, particularly for Multiple Myeloma and Lymphoma, serum β2-M reflects tumor burden and is a key factor in the International Staging System (ISS). This converter allows precise switching between mass units (mg/L, µg/mL) and molar units (nmol/L).
SI Units
RecommendedMilligrams per liter (Clinical SI) or Nanomoles per liter.
Conventional Units
Clinical Context
Serum β2-M Reference Range: Typically 1.1 – 2.4 mg/L. Levels rise with age due to declining GFR. In Multiple Myeloma, a level > 5.5 mg/L indicates Stage III disease (high risk) according to the ISS staging system.
Urine β2-M: Normally < 300 µg/L. Elevated urine levels despite normal serum levels suggest failure of proximal tubular reabsorption (e.g., Cadmium toxicity or Fanconi syndrome). The conversion factor relies on MW 11,800 Da: 1 mg/L ≈ 84.7 nmol/L.
Clinical References
How to Use This Calculator
Follow these steps to get accurate clinical conversions instantly.
Enter Values
Input your laboratory results into the corresponding unit field (e.g., mg/L). You can use either dot or comma decimals.
Automatic Conversion
The calculator works in real-time. As you type in one field, all other units (like nmol/L) are instantly updated.
Verify Units
Check the SI Units section. mg/L is the most common unit for serum tests.
Reset
Use the Clear button to reset all fields before starting a new calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
Yes. 1 mg/L is exactly equal to 1 µg/mL.
Urine concentrations are often much lower than serum, so µg/L is frequently used instead of mg/L to avoid small decimals.