Microalbumin
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To be screened for a possible risk of developing a kidney or cardiovascular disorder
When to Get Tested?
Annually after a diagnosis of diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure)
Sample Required?
A urine sample
The Test Sample
What is being tested?
Albumin is a protein that is present in large amounts in the blood. When kidneys are functioning properly, only tiny amounts of albumin leaks through into the urine. In kidney failure (the last stage of a slow process of decline in kidney function), large amounts of protein are spilled into the urine. A long time before this amount of damage happens, small changes in the kidney allow very small but abnormal amounts of albumin to leak through, usually as a result of having diabetes. This condition is called microalbuminuria and the test that measures this very small amount of albumin is called microalbumin.
How is the sample collected for testing?
You will be asked to collect either an early morning sample of urine, overnight timed urine or you may be requested to collect a complete 24-hour urine sample. Your doctor or the laboratory will give you a large container and instructions for properly collecting a timed overnight or 24-hour sample.
The Test
How is it used?
Diabetes is a very common cause of kidney failure. Studies have shown that identifying diabetics in the very early stages of kidney disease by demonstrating microalbuminuria helps patients and doctors adjust treatment. With better diabetic control and better control of other complications, such as high blood pressure, the progression of diabetic kidney disease can be slowed or prevented.
When is it requested?
Microalbumin should be requested when a person is first diagnosed with diabetes. After that, all are usually screened annually for microalbuminuria. When significant levels of microalbumin have been found, the test may be done more frequently.
What does the test result mean?
Moderately increased microalbumin levels in urine indicate that a person is in one of the very early phases of developing kidney disease. Recently, studies have shown that an abnormal microalbumin result indicates an increased risk of developing heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) complications, especially in people with diabetes. Low levels are an indication that kidney function is normal.
Is there anything else I should know?
Microalbumin can be reported in several different ways:
- Microalbumin and creatinine levels in a random urine or timed urine sample, reported as the ratio microalbumin/creatinine.
- Albumin in a 24-hour urine sample reported as albumin excreted per day.
Common Questions
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Article Sources
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