Why is this procedure done?
A microalbumin test checks how well your kidneys are working. Albumin is a protein in your blood. Your kidneys filter your blood for waste products. If your kidneys are healthy, the albumin just passes through your kidneys, but stays in your blood. If your kidneys are not working well, you may have a small amount of albumin in your urine. This is a serious problem. It means there is damage to your kidneys. Your doctor may order this test to: ‚
- Check how well your kidneys are working
- Look for albumin in the urine
- Know if kidney damage is present
- Learn if conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure are causing kidney problems
What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor will know if you have an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal, it means your kidneys are likely working in a normal way.
- If the results are not normal, you may have a problem with your kidneys.
- Your doctor may have you repeat the microalbumin test or order another test to verify the diagnosis.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Some things may change the result of your test. Tell your doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking, including herbal and over-the-counter or OTC drugs.
- If you are having your menstrual period or have vaginal discharge.
- If you have had a recent infection or fever.
- If your urine is discolored.
- Your daily alcohol intake and cigarette use.
- If your blood sugar has not been at goal.
What happens during the procedure?
- Wash your hands before collecting urine. Do not touch the inside of the container.
- Clean your genital area first before you collect the urine. Males should pull back the foreskin. Then, clean the head of the penis with care. Females should spread the folds of skin around the vagina and clean the area.
- The test can be done in one of 2 ways:
- Random urine collection test:
- Collect your urine first thing in the morning.
- Let your urine flow for a few seconds.
- Place the container cup into your urine stream and collect your urine in the container.
- 24-hour urine collection test:
- First thing in the morning, empty your bladder of urine into the toilet. Do not save this urine.
- The next time you need to go, place the small cup into your urine stream. Collect your urine in the cup.
- Empty the cup into the large collection container. Keep the large container in the refrigerator.
- Save all of your urine in the container for 24 hours. Be sure to empty your bladder one last time just before the end of the 24-hour period and add it to the container.
- Take your urine to the lab as soon as possible.
What happens after the procedure?
Ask your doctor when you will get the results. ‚
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your kidneys or liver. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
There are no risks or problems with collecting a urine sample. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/microalbumin/tab/glance ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/test_mtc_ratio.html# ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚