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Microalbuminuria test

Definition

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

See also: Urine albumin

How the Test is Performed

A 24-hour urine sample is needed. The health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test.

• On day 1, urinate into the toilet when you get up in the morning.
• Afterwards, collect all urine in a special container for the next 24 hours.
• On day 2, urinate into the container when you get up in the morning.
• Cap the container. Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period.
• Label the container with your name, the date, the time of completion, and return it as instructed.

For an infant, thoroughly wash the area around the urethra. Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end), and place it on the infant. For males, the entire penis can be placed in the bag and the adhesive attached to the skin. For females, the bag is placed over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag.

This procedure may take a couple of attempts -- lively infants can displace the bag, causing the specimen to be absorbed by the diaper. The infant should be checked frequently and the bag changed after the infant has urinated into the bag. The urine is drained into the container for transport to the laboratory.

Deliver it to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible upon completion.

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is necessary for this test, but if the collection is being taken from an infant, a couple of extra collection bags may be necessary.

How the Test Will Feel

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

Why the Test is Performed

This test is most often done to detect diabetic nephropathy in a person who has had diabetes for several years. High levels of the protein albumin in the urine signal the beginning of a condition called microalbuminuria, and are a typical finding of disorders such as diabetic nephropathy. The test may show whether you are at risk for developing kidney disease.

Normal Results

Normally, most protein stays in the body, and little or no protein appears in the urine. In general, a normal value is less than 43 milligrams per day of albumin in urine.

Note: 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

If the level of proteins in the urine is too high, this indicates a problem with kidney function. Increased levels may be due to diabetes, or associated with high blood pressure, some lipid problems, and certain immune disorders.

Risks

There are no risks associated with providing a urine sample.

Considerations

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

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.