Description

The Beta-2 Microglobulin ELISA kit is an enzyme immunoassay for the measurement of Beta-2 Microglobulin in serum as an aid in the diagnosis of active rheumatoid arthritis and kidney disease.

Human Beta-2 Microglobulin (B2MG) is an 11.8 kD protein identical to the light chain of the HLA-A, -B, and -C antigen. B2MG is expressed on nucleated cells, and is found at low levels in the serum and urine of normal individuals. B2MG concentrations are increased in inflammatory diseases, some viral diseases, renal dysfunction, and autoimmune diseases. A number of publications are available which explain the interpretation of B2MG serum levels in assessing the status of individuals with various clinical conditions. The enzyme immunoassay allows the quantitative determination of B2MG from serum. In this assay, the B2MG in the samples is bound to an available excess of monoclonal antibodies against B2MG, which are immobilized to the surface of the microtiter wells. After a washing step to remove all foreign substances, the quantification of bound B2MG is carried out by adding an enzyme (horseradish peroxidase or HRPO) labeled antibody, which also binds to the B2MG. The amount of bound enzyme is directly proportional to the B2MG content. The substrate is then converted to a chromogenic compound, which can be determined photometrically at 450 nm.