A solid-phase radioimmunoassay for human beta2-microglobulin.

A simple and relatively rapid as well as highly reproducible determination of beta2-microglobulin is described for general laboratory use. The method is based on a solid-phase radioimmunoassay paper discs as a solid-phase material. The assayable range is approximately in the range of 2 ng to 20 mug of beta2-microglobulin with a precision of approx. 5 percent. This assay requiring only 0.05 ml of urine can be completed within 20 h. Urine in cadmium-exposed workers and residents in cadmium-polluted districts including patients with itai-itai disease were examined and considerable amounts of beta2-microglobulin were observed in these urines.