Microalbumin, 24-hour Urine Test
Microalbumin, 24-hour Urine Test
A microalbumin test is a biochemical test that measures the tiny amount of albumin that passes into your urine over a 24-hour period. The amount of albumin detected in this test is so small that normal urine tests cannot detect it.
Albumin is a protein present in the blood that your body needs for tissue growth and repair. However, it may leak into your urine if your kidneys are damaged and don’t function properly. As a result, you may experience a medical condition called albuminuria.
Doctors may prescribe this test if they suspect that your diabetes or high blood pressure has put you at risk of kidney damage or progressing kidney failure. Therefore, early detection of kidney damage is critical to prevent possible future health complications.
 People with diabetes must get checked for kidney diseases when first diagnosed and at least once a year thereafter.
What is the Microalbumin Test Used For?
The main intention of doing a microalbumin test is
To evaluate people having health and family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammatory diseases etc. for the signs of kidney damage
To diagnose patients with kidney diseases
Symptoms of Kidney disease
Kidney diseases often go undetected until the symptoms become severe. But, the early warning signs one might manifest while developing kidney disease may include
Tiredness and weakness
Puffy eyes
Increased need to urinate (especially at night)
Difficult and painful urination
Blood in urine
Swollen hands, legs, ankles, abdomen, and feet
Poor appetite
Preparation for Test
Avoid strenuous exercise before providing a urine sample, as it temporarily raises albumin levels. Also, inform your doctor if you are taking certain medications (e.g., oxytetracycline) and experiencing fever or inflammation, as this may impact your test results.
Interpretation of Test Results
Results of 24-hour urine microalbumin test vary with age, health history, gender, muscle mass, and the lab where the procedure is done. It is measured in milligrams per 24 hours (mg/24 hr) and interpreted as per the reference table provided below:
Â
|
24-hour collection |
Results |
|
Less than 30mg |
Normal |
|
30 – 300 mg |
Microalbuminuria Indicates
|
|
More than 300mg |
 Clinical proteinuria Indicates
|
FAQs
Why do I need a Microalbumin test?
If you have diabetes, you are at risk of developing kidney damage. Therefore, your doctor will prescribe this test to see if you control your sugar levels well enough to prevent further damage.  This test must be done once a year without fail.
What level of microalbumin indicates kidney failure?
A normal finding of albumin in urine is less than 30 mg/d. But anything above this value may mean your kidneys are in the process of getting damaged, although it is still treatable.
How is the Microalbumin test done?
The Microalbumin test is performed using a urine sample collected over 24 hours. Your doctor will provide a sterile container for collection. To conduct the test, you should empty your bladder in the morning without collecting it. Then, each time you urinate throughout the day, collect the urine and note the time. Repeat this process for 24 hours. Store all collected samples in the refrigerator as instructed until you submit them to the laboratory.
How are the results of microalbumin tests understood?
Generally, a microalbumin test is performed alongside a creatinine test to determine the albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Creatinine is a chemical waste product in urine produced as a result of normal metabolic processes in the body. When your kidneys don't function properly, creatinine levels drop, and a lot of albumin escapes through the urine. The reference range for microalbuminuria is 30-300 mg albumin excretion per 24 hours in 2-3 urine samples.
Does this test pose any risks?
This test poses no known risk.
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