Urine microalbumin
Urine microalbumin, also known as urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR), helps determine kidney disease that can lead to diabetes complications.
Kidneys help to filter the waste from the blood and hold on to healthy components, including proteins like albumin. Proteins tend to leak through the kidneys during kidney damage and exit through urine.
So, urine microalbumin tests are recommendable for people with a high risk of developing kidney diseases, like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Why urine microalbumin?
Diagnosing kidney disease early for people with diabetes can help the doctor to monitor the condition closely and provide effective treatments. The treatment helps to prevent or delay advanced kidney-related diseases. The frequency of the ACR test depends on the risks and underlying conditions of kidney damage. For example:
- Diabetes type 1: a doctor may recommend one microalbumin test per year, beginning after five years of diagnosis.
- Diabetes type 2: A doctor may recommend one microalbumin test annually immediately after the diagnosis.
- High blood pressure: A doctor may recommend regular microalbumin tests.
How to prepare for urine microalbumin?
The urine microalbumin test is a standard urine test. You can drink and usually eat before undergoing the test. The amount of sample requirement may vary depending on your doctor’s need. You need to provide a random test sample, or the doctor might ask you to collect 24 hours’ worth of samples.
Results urine microalbumin?
Microalbumin uses milligrams (mg) to measure protein leakage.
- 30 mg or lesser is normal
- 30 to 300 mg might be a sign of early kidney disease
- More than 300 mg can indicate advanced kidney disease
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022