Microalbumin 24 hours

Kidney

Report in 4Hrs

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No Fasting Required

Details

Total amount of albumin excreted in urine over 24 hours

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Microalbumin 24 Hours - Comprehensive Medical Test Guide

Why is it done?
- Measures the amount of albumin protein excreted in urine over a 24-hour period to detect early kidney damage
- Screens for early diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease) in patients with diabetes mellitus
- Detects kidney dysfunction associated with hypertension and other renal disorders
- Monitors progression of chronic kidney disease in at-risk populations
- Identifies patients who may benefit from early intervention or medication adjustment
- Typically performed annually in diabetic patients or when kidney disease is suspected
Normal Range
- Normal/Negative Result: Less than 30 mg/24 hours (or < 30 μg/min)
- Microalbuminuria (Early Stage): 30-300 mg/24 hours (or 20-200 μg/min)
- Macroalbuminuria (Advanced/Pathologic): Greater than 300 mg/24 hours
- Units of Measurement: mg/24 hours, μg/min, or mg/g creatinine
- Interpretation: Normal indicates healthy kidney function with minimal protein loss. Microalbuminuria suggests early kidney damage that may progress without treatment. Macroalbuminuria indicates significant kidney disease requiring immediate intervention.
Interpretation
- Negative/Normal (<30 mg/24 hours): Indicates normal kidney function with no significant albumin excretion; patient is not in the microalbuminuria range
- Positive Microalbuminuria (30-300 mg/24 hours): Suggests early-stage kidney damage; stage 2 of diabetic nephropathy; indicates need for closer monitoring and potential therapeutic intervention
- Elevated Macroalbuminuria (>300 mg/24 hours): Indicates advanced kidney disease; stage 3-5 of diabetic nephropathy; significant proteinuria requiring immediate medical management
- Factors Affecting Results:
  - Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus
  - Uncontrolled hypertension
  - Acute illness, fever, or infection
  - Strenuous exercise within 24 hours of collection
  - Urinary tract infection
  - Menstrual cycle in women
  - Certain medications (NSAIDs, amphetamines)
- Clinical Significance: Microalbuminuria is a sensitive marker for early diabetic kidney disease and predicts progression to end-stage renal disease. It also indicates increased cardiovascular risk. Early detection allows for preventive treatment with ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
Associated Organs
- Primary Organ System: Kidneys (renal system) - specifically the glomeruli and filtration barrier
- Secondary Involvement: Cardiovascular system (hypertension, increased atherosclerosis risk); endocrine system (diabetes mellitus)
- Conditions Associated with Abnormal Results:
  - Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
  - Hypertension (essential or secondary)
  - Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
  - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases
  - Glomerulonephritis
  - Polycystic Kidney Disease
  - Pyelonephritis and chronic infections
  - Metabolic Syndrome
- Complications of Abnormal Results:
  - Progression to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis or transplantation
  - Acute kidney injury (AKI)
  - Increased risk of cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke)
  - Hypertension progression and target organ damage
  - Electrolyte imbalances and uremia
  - Anemia related to chronic kidney disease
Follow-up Tests
- Recommended If Microalbuminuria Detected:
  - Serum Creatinine - assess glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
  - Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) - determine stage of CKD
  - Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - evaluate kidney function
  - Fasting Blood Glucose or HbA1c - assess glycemic control in diabetics
  - Blood Pressure Monitoring - assess hypertension control
  - Lipid Panel - evaluate cardiovascular risk factors
  - Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, CO2) - assess kidney function and balance
  - Urinalysis - check for additional abnormalities, casts, or infection
- Advanced Investigations for Elevated Results:
  - Renal Ultrasound - visualize kidney structure and size
  - Kidney Biopsy - if diagnosis unclear or autoimmune disease suspected
  - Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) - more precise albuminuria measurement
  - Immunological Tests (ANA, complement levels) - rule out autoimmune causes
- Monitoring Frequency:
  - Normal Results: Annually for diabetic patients; every 1-2 years for hypertensive patients
  - Microalbuminuria: Every 3-6 months initially, then annually if stable on treatment
  - Macroalbuminuria: Every 3-6 months or more frequently if CKD progressing
Fasting Required?
- Fasting Requirement: NO - Fasting is not required for the 24-hour microalbumin test
- Sample Collection Method: 24-hour urine collection (not blood draw)
- Collection Instructions:
  - Begin collection first thing in the morning by emptying bladder completely (do not collect this specimen)
  - Collect all urine passed over the next 24 hours in a provided sterile container
  - Include the final void at the same time the next morning
  - Keep container refrigerated or on ice during collection period
  - Record the exact collection time (start and end) on the container
- Special Instructions:
  - Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before and during collection
  - Avoid menstrual period collection if possible (may falsely elevate results)
  - If urinary tract infection suspected, inform lab or reschedule collection
  - Continue normal diet and fluid intake
- Medications to Continue: Most medications may be continued; consult with healthcare provider regarding ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics, or NSAIDs
- Additional Preparation: Obtain collection container and instructions from laboratory; inform provider of test date to avoid scheduling other tests that might interfere

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