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Why it's done
By Mayo Clinic staffThe urinary microalbumin test is a test designed as an early indication for kidney damage. The kidneys contain tiny blood vessel clusters that filter waste from your blood. Diabetes and high blood pressure can damage this delicate filtering system. Microalbumin tests can detect this damage at the earliest possible stages. Prompt treatment can help prevent kidney failure.
How often you need microalbumin tests depends on any underlying conditions and your risk of kidney damage. For example:
- Type 1 diabetes. If you have type 1 diabetes, your doctor may recommend a microalbumin test once a year beginning five years after your diagnosis.
- Type 2 diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor may recommend a microalbumin test once a year beginning immediately after your diagnosis.
- High blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend regular microalbumin tests. The optimal screening schedule varies, so ask your doctor what's best for you.
If your urinary microalbumin level is elevated, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing. The earlier kidney problems are detected, the sooner you can begin treatment. If your kidneys fail, you'll need a kidney transplant or dialysis.
- Microalbumin and microalbumin/creatinine ratio. American Association for Clinical Chemistry. http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/microalbumin/multiprint.html. Accessed June 7, 2010.
- McCulloch DK. Overview of medical care in adults with diabetes mellitus. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 2, 2010.
- Rose BD, et al. Microalbuminuria and cardiovascular disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 2, 2010.
- Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your kidneys healthy. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC). http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications_kidneys/. Accessed June 7, 2010.
- Diabetes, kidney and cardiovascular disease. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3044857. Accessed June 7, 2010.
- Israni AK, et al. Laboratory assessment of kidney disease: Clearance, urinalysis, and kidney biopsy. In: Brenner BM, et al. Brenner & Rector's The Kidney. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:724.
- Kidney disease (nephropathy). American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/kidney-disease-nephropathy.html. Accessed June 8, 2010.
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