Microalbumin
From Health Facts
Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-21 (EDT)
See Also | Lab Tests |
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Microalbumin, also known as urine albumin or albumin-to-creatinine ratio, is used as an indicator of complications of diabetes (kindey, heart, or small vessels). Most importantly, it is the first indicator of renal disease.[1]
Discussion
- Microalbumin (MA) is the albumin concentration in the urine which is greater than normal, but not detectable with routine protein testing.
- Only small amounts of albumin are normally filtered through the renal glomeruli of the kidney, and that quantity can be subsequently reabsorbed by the renal tubules.
- The presence of microalbumin in the urine occurs when the glomerular permeability of albumin exceeds the tubular reabsorption capability, and is therefore an early indication of renal disease.
- Testing for microalbumin is generally done annually after a diagnosis of diabetes or hypertension.
Patient Preparation
- No fasting required.
- A random, timed, overnight or 24-hour urine sample is required.
- Factors which can cause increased levels
- Urinary tract infection, acid-base abnormalities, vigorous exercise, or febrile diseases
- Drugs: Oxytetracycline
- Factors which can cause decreased levels
- None noted
Clinical Implications
High levels indicate:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Myoglobinuria
- Hemoglobinuria
- Bence Jones Proteinuria
- Nephrotic drugs
- Nephropathy
- Atherosclerosis
- Lipid abnormalities
- Insulin resistance
- Hypertension
- Myocardial infarction
Associated Tests
References
- ↑ Pagana Kathleen D, Pagana Timothy J (2006) Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, Mosby.