Microalbumin

Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-21 (EDT)

See Also	Lab Tests

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.

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

• Albumin, Creatinine, Glucose, Urine Protein