What’s a Microalbumin Test?

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A microalbumin test is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate kidney function. The test measures the levels of protein in the urine and is generally given in cases where the individual is known to have high blood pressure or diabetes. Requiring no individual preparatory measures, a microalbumin test is commonly used as a screening tool to diagnose microalbuminuria, a condition characterized by elevated albumin levels that occurs in the presence of kidney damage.

Normal kidney function involves filtering and washing wastes from the body in the form of urine. When an individual’s kidneys are functioning properly, their blood contains a protein known as albumin. In the presence of a defective filter system, albumin can enter the urine and be excreted as waste. The presence of certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, can cause damage to the renal filtering system contributing to the development of microalbuminuria and kidney disease. Considered a progressive condition, kidney disease requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment to minimize an individual’s risk of complications and ultimately kidney failure.

Prior to a microalbumin test, individuals are usually briefed on how the test will be performed and given necessary instructions. Interpretation of test results is generally consistent across application, although some variation may occur due to possible sample and laboratory standard contamination. Additional factors that can affect test results include the use of certain medications, menstruation, and unstable glucose levels.

When abnormal results are present, elevated albumin protein levels are present, which is indicative of some degree of impaired kidney function. In most cases, abnormal results will require further testing for three to six months. A collection of additional test results can then be evaluated as a whole to determine the extent of kidney damage. If there is confirmed renal impairment, blood tests may be done to evaluate creatinine levels. Often analyzed to offer an additional perspective on an individual’s kidney function, creatinine levels can be used to further verify the results of microalbumin tests.

Administration of a microalbumin test, also known as a microalbumin urine test, often occurs over a period of time. Urine collections that occur at home generally use a single container labeled with all the necessary information, including the date the test was administered and the time of each specimen collection. When performed in a medical setting, such as a clinic or doctor’s office, a single sample is obtained during what is known as a midstream clean-catch urine collection.

When conducted as a timed collection, usually over a 24-hour period, a microalbumin urine test can be done at home. The timing for the 24-hour urine collection generally begins with the individual’s first urination in the morning as they wake up for the day. Sample collection begins with the second void and continues with each voiding of the bladder for the remaining 24 hours. Known as a timed collection, this approach to microalbumin testing requires that the samples obtained remain refrigerated until the final sample is obtained. To avoid contamination, individuals are instructed to use a clean container for each specimen collection, to avoid handling the inside of the container, and not to allow foreign substances or materials to contaminate the collected urine.

The most common administration of a microalbumin test occurs in medical settings and involves a single collection of less than three fluid ounces (89 mL) of urine. Individuals are usually given strict instructions to avoid sample contamination, including washing hands before handling the collection container and not allowing the container to contact or contain any foreign substances or materials. Collected during the intermediate flow, the sample is usually secured with a lid to avoid post-harvest contamination. The sample obtained is then sent for laboratory analysis.

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