Urine for microalbuminuria Test

Kidney disease, Kidney damage

Proteins are considered the building blocks of our system. They act as a driving force by generating the energy required by the body to function optimally. An adequate amount of protein from the food we eat in addition to that stored within the body results in more energy created in the body. But an excess of anything, even protein, is always harmful.

Proteins are usually formed by the liver. Albumin is one such protein present in the human blood. Its function is to ensure energy for the cells so that the body can function smoothly.

Albumin is counted among the most essential proteins in your system, as it is responsible for the repair of damaged tissues. Albumin also helps your tissue cells grow with the energy that it packs inside. It is mainly present in the blood.

The kidney is an organ that functions by filtering unwanted waste or components from the blood and retaining healthy substances such as albumin within the blood. When the kidneys function optimally, it is considered a healthy kidney. The leakage of the protein albumin into the urine indicates kidney damage. Albumin in urine is an indicator or a risk marker to assess kidney damage.

The urine microalbuminuria test is used to measure the smallest amount of albumin present in your urine. Based on the result range, your doctor will be able to tell if your kidneys are performing well or if there are any signs of kidney disease.

If the amount of albumin in the urine sample is more, it is likely that your kidney is not functioning properly, which can mean you have kidney disease. A higher value, relative to the normal range, results in macroalbuminuria. Speaking to a doctor should be your first step after you get your urine for microalbuminuria test results.

Comorbid conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of kidney damage in India and worldwide. According to research, 17.2% of the Indian population is suffering from kidney disease.

Other Names of Urine for Microalbuminuria Test

• Urine Albumin
• Spot Urine Test
• Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR)
• Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (UACR)
• Microalbumin-Creatinine Ratio
• Proteinuria Test

What does the Urine for Microalbuminuria Test Detect/Measure and Who is this Prescribed For?

The Urine Microalbumin test is done to measure the amount of protein present in your urine. Albumin is a common protein, which is used by the human body to function optimally and derive energy. A healthy kidney does not let the albumin enter the urine and helps retain it in the body. If a high test value is detected, that may mean your kidneys aren’t functioning properly and you might need treatment.

It is also prescribed for people who experience symptoms like:

• Frothy urine
• Blood in urine
• Change in urine volume and frequency
• Loss of appetite
• Itching
• Abnormal swelling
• Fatigue

Some diseases/conditions for which the urine for microalbuminuria test can be prescribed are:

• High blood pressure
• A family history of chronic kidney disease
• Obesity
• A habit of smoking cigarettes
• Any cardiovascular disease

Following the diagnosis and the test results of urine microalbumin, the Physician or Nephrologist will suggest and start with a treatment plan depending on the result of the urine microalbumin test if required. After initiating the treatment with the appropriate medication, the doctor may prescribe urine for a microalbuminuria test after a certain period to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and for dosage modification, if any.

Some medications may alter the result of the urine microalbumin test. It is necessary to provide a complete and detailed history before undergoing a test procedure.

The urine for microalbuminuria test is applicable for males and females, both adults and children.

The result of urine microalbumin is a measure of protein leakage measured in milligrams (mg) over 24 hours.

• If you were given a urine dipstick test, the paper would change its colour depending on the levels of albumin in your urine. But the result is less accurate with moderately increased microalbuminuria (meaning a lesser amount of albumin in the urine).
• If the urine for microalbuminuria test results lies below 30mg, it means your kidney is functioning optimally well.
• If the test result lies between 30-300mg, meaning a small amount of albumin protein is excreted via urine, it indicates an early warning sign for kidney disease known as microalbuminuria.
• If the test result is higher than 300mg, meaning a higher amount of albumin is present in the urine, there is an indication of severe kidney damage. The condition is known as macroalbuminuria.

A high amount of protein in your urine means that your kidneys are not functioning properly to filter waste and retain essential components, such as albumin. It is advisable to consult with your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Certain parameters might alter the test results, such as:

• Infection or inflammation in the body
• Fever
• Vigorous exercise
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Urinary tract infections
• Certain medications
• Other kidney ailments
• Genetic disorder
• Narrowed arteries in the kidney
• High blood pressure
• Rare cancers

If the test is performed immediately after vigorous exercise, even a healthy individual’s test result might depict a high albumin level in urine. Also, if a person is dehydrated, the test result may show the presence of albumin in the urine sample.

The sample required to perform this test is Urine. No special preparation, fasting or any restrictions are required before undergoing this test.

Test Preparation

The procedure for the urine microalbumin test is not intense. It is only necessary to inform your doctor about all the medications you are on currently. There is no preparation needed when you are getting tested for albumin in your urine.

The test can be done at home as well by using these methods:

• Self-test kits

A dipstick test, where you use a special paper or a dipstick and dip it in a cup of urine. The stick/paper would change colour depending upon the amount of albumin present in your urine. However, this is not the most reliable test.

• Self-collection kits

A special kind of cup/bag is given to you by your doctor or the laboratory and you will have to store the sample in one of those cups/bags and send it back to the laboratory for a 24-hour test. Once you receive the urine for microalbuminuria test results, your doctor will give you further details.

Test Inclusions: What Parameters Are Included?

The urine for microalbuminuria test solely estimates the amount of protein albumin present in your urine. The urine for microalbuminuria test measures the amount of albumin, creatinine and the ratio present in the urine sample.

It also acts as an early marker to diagnose kidney disease. The result of the urine microalbumin test is not expressed as positive or negative. If the value is on the higher side, it is an indicator of kidney damage. The test accounts for the progression of kidney injury.

How Frequently Should You Take This Test?

Based on the underlying condition and risk for kidney damage, your doctor will decide the frequency of the urine for microalbuminuria test to prevent or delay kidney damage.

• Diabetes: Based on the type of diabetes, the frequency of taking the microalbuminuria test is determined.

• For type 1 diabetes, this test may be recommended each year after 5 years of a confirmed diagnosis, whereas for type 2, it would be every year immediately after the confirmed diagnosis.

• High blood pressure: The urine for microalbuminuria test may be recommended by your doctor more often.

If the test result of urine microalbumin is elevated, there is an increased probability of more frequent testing after initiating the treatment.

How do you test for microalbuminuria?

The microalbuminuria test is performed simply by collecting a urine sample. Further sampling methods may vary depending on your doctor's requirement, including:

• 24-hour urine test: You must collect all the urine in a container for 24 hours and submit it for further analysis.
• Timed urine test: Your doctor might request you to collect urine at a specific desired time, such as early in the morning or probably after a long holding period of approximately 4 hours.
• Random urine test: As the name suggests, the sample can be collected at any time of the day.

How can I lower my urine microalbumin naturally?

Following are the ways by which you can try to lower the urine microalbumin naturally:

• Avoid consuming foods that are rich in sodium or salt, such as packaged food.
• Focus on eating protein-rich food in the right proportion.
• If you are overweight, aim to lose weight.