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Microalbuminuria test

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Male urinary system
Male urinary system

Definition    Return to top

The microalbuminuria test looks for small quantities of a protein called albumin in a urine sample.

See also: Urine albumin

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

A small sample of urine needs to be collected.

Because the amount of water in urine can vary, it can affect the concentration of albumin. For this reason, the amount of creatinine is also measured. The result is reported as the ratio of albumin to creatinine.

If an abnormally high level of albumin is found, some health care providers will repeat the test on a 24-hour urine sample.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

How the Test Will Feel    Return to top

The test involves only normal urination. There is no discomfort.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

This test is most often done to detect kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy) in a person who has had diabetes for several years.

Abnormal levels of the protein albumin in the urine signal the beginning of a condition called microalbuminuria, and are typical in disorders such as diabetic nephropathy. The test may show whether you are at risk for developing kidney disease with symptoms.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes receive a microalbuminuria urine test every year (after 5 years of having the disease in people with type 1 diabetes, and at the time of diagnosis in people with type 2 diabetes). Patients should also have their blood creatinine tested at least once a year.

Normal Results    Return to top

Normally, most protein stays in the body, and little or no protein appears in the urine.

The ratio of albumin to creatinine is usually less than 2.5 mg/mmol for men and 3.5 mg/mmol for women.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

If albumin is detected in the urine, this may indicate a problem with kidney function. Increased levels may occur with:

Further tests will be done to determine the severity of the problem.

Risks    Return to top

There are no risks with providing a urine sample.

Considerations    Return to top

Healthy people may exceed normal levels after strenuous exercise or with dehydration.

References    Return to top

American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes -- 2009. Diabetes Care. 2009;32:S13-S61.

Inzucchi SE, Sherwin RS. Type 1 diabetes mellitus. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 247.

Inzucchi SE, Sherwin RS. Type 2 diabetes mellitus. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 248.

Update Date: 5/2/2009

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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