Microalbumin

This test aims to identify the presence of excess albumin protein in a urine sample, which may suggest a kidney-related issue. Urine albumin tests serve various purposes, including diagnosis, screening, and monitoring of kidney disease. If an individual experiences symptoms related to kidney impairment, such as blood in urine, frothy urine, changes in urine volume or frequency, abnormal swelling, itching, loss of appetite, and fatigue, a urine albumin test may be included in the diagnostic process. Screening tests are necessary to detect health problems before symptoms appear, allowing for timely treatment before the disease has advanced significantly. To identify possible kidney problems, urine albumin tests are used since the early stages of kidney disease may not be symptomatic. A urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio test is a common method for screening high albumin levels, also known as albuminuria. This type of screening is usually recommended for individuals at a higher risk of kidney disease, such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems. Additionally, older adults and people from certain racial and ethnic groups may also require kidney disease screening, which may involve combining a urine albumin test with another kidney function test called an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test to assess the effectiveness of the kidneys in filtering the blood. Albumin levels in the blood, categorized as high or very high, have been linked to cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. Therefore, urine albumin testing can offer valuable information regarding the risks associated with these conditions and their potential complications. Additionally, repeat urine albumin tests at regular intervals can be utilized to monitor kidney health over time, track the progression of kidney disease, or assess the effectiveness of treatments.