Microalbuminuria Test

The microalbuminuria test is a urine test that measures the amount of albumin in your urine. Albumin is a protein that your body uses for cell growth and to help repair tissues. It is normally present in the blood. A certain level in the urine can be a sign of kidney damage.

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Why to Get Tested:

urine microalbumin test to detect early signs of kidney damage. Treatment may prevent or delay more advanced kidney disease.

How often you need microalbumin tests depends on any underlying conditions and your risk of kidney damage. For example:

• Type 1 diabetes. If you have type 1 diabetes, your doctor may recommend a microalbumin test once a year beginning five years after your diagnosis.
• Type 2 diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor may recommend a microalbumin test once a year beginning immediately after your diagnosis.
• High blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend microalbumin tests more regularly. Discuss with your doctor how often to repeat this test.

Sample Required:

1. The sample is urine.
2. It is better to do three random samples for a week.
3. The urine sample is stable at room temperature for up to 2 days and at 8 °C for up to 14 days.

Preparation For Sample:

The microalbuminuria test is a simple urine test. You can eat and drink normally before the test. No special preparation is necessary for this test.

Normal Values:

Source 1

• Albumin in urine < 30 mg/24 hours
• Or < 20 mg/day.
• Or < 20 mg/L (urine collected in 10 hours).

Source 2 

• 0.2 to 1.9 mg/dL

 Abnormal value 

• Albumin > 30 mg/24 hours .
• Or > 20 mg/L (in 10 hours).

limits with various dipsticks:

1. Albusure 2 to 3 mg/dl
2. Micral 1.5 to 2 mg/dl
3. Micro-Burnintest 4 to 8 mg/dl

Microalbuminuria Is Seen In:

1. Diabetes mellitus.
2. Myoglobinuria.
3. Nephrotoxic drugs.
4. Bence-Jones proteinuria.
5. Hemoglobinuria.
6. Any kind of Nephropathy.
7. Hypertension.
8. Myocardial infarction.
9. Atherosclerosis ( Generalized vascular disease ).
10. Lipid abnormalities.
11. Pre-eclampsia.

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