Microalbumin

Why Get Tested ?
To get screened for a possible kidney disorder.


When To Get Tested?
Annually after a diagnosis of diabetes or hypertension.


Sample Required?
A urine sample.


What Is Being Tested?
Albumin is a protein that is present in high amounts in the blood. When kidneys are functioning properly, no albumin is allowed to leak 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. Well before this amount of damage happens, small changes in the blood-filtering parts of the kidney allow very small 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 a random sample or urine while you are at the doctor's office or laboratory, or you may be requested to collect a complete 24 hours urine sample. Your doctor or the laboratory will give you a large container and instructions for properly collecting a 24 hours sample.


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 (microalbuminuria) help patients and doctor adjust treatment. With better diabetic control and better control of the other complications, such as high blood pressure, the progression of diabetic disease can be slowed or prevented.


When Is It Ordered?
The National Kidney Foundation recommends that Type II diabetics under the age of 70 and Type I diabetics over the age of 12 be screened annually for microalbuminuria. In addition, microalbumin may be ordered when a person is first diagnosed with diabetes.


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. Very high levels are an indication that kidney disease is present in a more severe form. Normal levels are an indication that kidney function is normal.

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