Microalbumin Test-Why am I having this test?

Albumin is a protein in the body that helps regulate how much fluid is in the blood. Normally, when the kidneys filter waste from the bloodstream, waste leaves the body through urine and important substances like albumin remain in the blood.

If the kidneys are damaged, they may no longer be able to keep albumin in the blood. This causes small amounts of albumin (microalbumin, MA) in the urine. You may have this test:

• If you have signs of kidney damage, such as foamy urine or swelling in the hands, feet, abdomen, or face.
• To help evaluate kidney function after other kidney test results have been normal.
• To monitor treatment for diabetes (diabetes mellitus), especially if your blood sugar (glucose) has been poorly controlled or you have signs of kidney damage. MA in the urine is a common complication of diabetes.
• To monitor for complications caused by high blood pressure (hypertension).
• To help diagnose cardiovascular disease or a heart attack.

What is being tested?

This test measures the amount of MA in your urine. You may have your creatinine level tested at the same time as MA. Creatinine is a waste product that the kidneys filter out of the blood. Testing creatinine levels provides more information about kidney function.

What kind of sample is taken?

A urine sample is required for this test. You may be asked to collect urine samples at home over a period of 24 hours.

How do I collect samples at home?

When collecting a urine sample at home, make sure you:

• Use supplies and instructions that you received from the lab. 
• Collect urine only in the germ-free (sterile) cup that you received from the lab. 
• Do not let any toilet paper or stool (feces) get into the cup.
• Refrigerate the sample until you can return it to the lab. 
• Return the sample(s) to the lab as instructed.

How do I prepare for this test?

Tell your health care provider about all medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines. Follow instructions from your health care provider about changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as a value that indicates how much MA is in your urine. This may be given as:

• Milligrams of MA per deciliter of urine (mg/dL).
• Milligrams of MA per gram of creatinine (mg/g creatinine), if creatinine was also tested.

Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference ranges). Reference ranges may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, common reference ranges are:

• MA only: 0–2 mg/dL.
• MA and creatinine:
  • Men: 0–17 mg/g creatinine.
  • Women: 0–25 mg/g creatinine.

What do the results mean?

A result that is within the reference range means that you have a normal amount of MA in your urine. This may mean that:

• Your kidneys are functioning normally.
• Your diabetes or hypertension treatment is working effectively.

Results that are higher than the reference range may mean that you have:

• Poorly controlled diabetes. Your treatment plan may need to be adjusted.
• Narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis).
• Kidney damage due to hypertension or diabetes (nephropathy).

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

• When will my results be ready?
• How will I get my results?
• What are my treatment options?
• What other tests do I need?
• What are my next steps?

Summary

• Albumin is a protein that helps regulate how much fluid is in your blood.
• If your kidneys are damaged, they may no longer be able to keep albumin in your blood. This causes small amounts of albumin (microalbumin, MA) in your urine.
• High MA levels may indicate kidney damage from diabetes or hypertension (nephropathy).
• Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.