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What is Microalbumin Test?
The microalbumin test is a diagnostic test used to detect small quantities of albumin in the blood. The level detected is so minute that the regular urine test cannot detect it. Albumin is a protein made in the liver that helps in retaining fluid in the blood so that it does not leak into other tissues. It also transports substances such as vitamins, hormones, and enzymes through the body. Presence of albumin in urine indicates early signs of kidney damage in people who are at risk of developing kidney disease. It also indicates that you are at a higher risk of heart disease. Acid-base imbalance, urinary tract infection, and blood in urine also result in the presence of blood in the urine.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the microalbumin test used for?
A microalbumin test is a diagnostic test done on people who are at risk of developing kidney problems. Early detection helps in managing kidney problems better. A normal, healthy kidney disposes waste and retains useful substances such as albumins. An impaired kidney disposes of useful proteins too in urine which can be detected by this sensitive test.
How are the results of microalbumin tests understood?
A microalbumin test is done together with a creatinine test to provide an albumin-to-creatinine ratio. When there is a malfunctioning of the kidneys, creatine’s (a waste product) concentration is reduced and albumin level is increased. Reference range indicating microalbuminuria is 30-300mg excretion of albumin per 24 hours in 2-3 urine samples.
Why do I need a microalbumin test?
A microalbumin test is recommended if you are at risk of developing kidney damage. This test helps to diagnose at the earliest and prevent any further damage. Diabetes and hypertension are major culprits of kidney damage. This test is aimed at determining the level of albumin in the urine. The test gives the ratio of creatinine and albumin.
What happens during the microalbumin test?
A microalbumin test is conducted by collecting urine from patients for over a period of 24 hours and the containers with urine are stored in a cool environment and then analyzed in labs. Then, protein concentration in urine is measured. The albumin in urine should be less than 30mg /g. Anything above this unit indicates kidney problems.
What are the symptoms of microalbuminuria?
   Some of the symptoms of microalbuminuria include:
- Tiredness
- Swelling in the face, belly, feet, or ankles
- Lack of appetite
- More frequent urination
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling in the face, belly, feet, or ankles
- Muscle cramping at night
- More frequent urination
- Puffiness around the eyes, especially in the morning
What is the treatment for high microalbumin?
Treatment for microalbumin includes medications such as:
- Medications for diabetes if needed (like metformin
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs like losartan)
- Other blood pressure medications
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors like lisinopril)
- Medications for diabetes if needed (like metformin)
What medication causes microalbuminuria?
Statins which are medicines used to reduce high cholesterol have been known to have a role in microalbuminuria. ERIC ABEL trial has conducted a descriptive and cross-sectional study that showed that the incidence of microalbuminuria was increased two fold in patients taking statins. In people taking atorvastatin, the type of statin the occurrence of microalbuminuria.
What are the reasons for microalbuminuria?
Microalbuminuria can be the result of several factors. The factors include:
- Fever
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- UTI (urinary infection)
- Other kidney infections
- Certain medications (e.g. chemotherapy drugs such as Streptozocin, biologic therapies such as: Interleukin-2)
- Acid-base imbalance in the body
- Recent vigorous exercise
How is high microalbumin in urine treated?
High microalbumin in urine is treated by using medicines that are used to treat high blood pressure such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). These drugs not only relieve pressure on the nephrons (kidney filtration units and also aid in reducing microprotein levels in urine.
What food reduces albumin in urine?
When you are suffering from microalbuminuria, you should restrict the level of protein in food. Diet must contain 15-20% protein, which helps in preventing long-term damage to the kidneys. If you are a chronic diabetic or having kidney problems, 55% of fibre intake (a day) obtained from fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy food is recommended.
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