Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine

₹549

You need to provide

Urine

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Urine sample must preferably be the first ejected morning midstream urine (part of urine that comes after first and before the last stream). Collect the urine sample in a sealed and sterile container provided by our sample collection professional. Make sure that the container doesn't come in contact with your skin. Women are advised not to give the sample during the menstrual period unless prescribed.

Understanding Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine

What is Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine?

Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine test is used to measure the amount of albumin in urine. Albumin level keeps fluctuating throughout the day, hence this test helps to measure the albumin level more accurately, as it gives a ratio of albumin to creatinine. Albumin is a protein found in the blood and is filtered by the kidneys. It is excreted in the urine in very low amount. The presence of high level of albumin in the urine is usually an indication of a kidney disease. This test is crucial as it helps to detect a kidney problem at an early stage even before the onset of any symptoms.

Values above normal indicate albuminuria. Sometimes a very low amount of albumin can also be due to urinary tract infection.
This test is recommended on a regular basis to the patients suffering from diabetes and hypertension as they are more prone to kidney problems.

What is Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine used for?

The microalbumin/creatinine ratio is done:

To detect early kidney disease in patients with diabetes or other risk factors, such as high blood pressure (hypertension)
As routine health checkup for patients of hypertension and type 1 or 2 diabetes

Interpreting Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine results

Interpretations

Gender	Creatinine value in mg/dl
Male	39-259
Female	28-217

The results are interpreted as microalbumin:creatinine ratio in mg/g

Category	Reference range in mg/g creatinine
Normal / Non-diabetic	< 30
Microalbuminuria	30 - 300
Clinical albuminuria	> 300

Reference range may vary from lab to lab*

Three samples should be collected within 3-6 months, from which at least two should be abnormal to consider for diagnosis.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine

Frequently Asked Questions about Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine

Q. How is the urine sample collected?

As the test is performed on the urine sample. It is essential to prevent contamination of the sample with microorganisms naturally present on the skin. During urine collection, women should spread the labia (outer lips of the vagina) while men should retract or pull back the foreskin (fold of skin covering the glans or head of the penis). Start urinating normally and let some urine flow before collecting 20 to 30 ml urine the sterilized container available from the lab or any pharmacy. After collecting the sample, finish urinating into the toilet or urinal. This process is called midstream clean catch method. The urine sample may also be collected using a catheter inserted through the urethra directly into the urinary bladder. Sample collected through a catheter usually has no contamination.

Q. Which factors can cause higher than expected urinary microalbumin results?

The factors which can cause higher than expected urinary microalbumin results include hematuria (blood in urine), certain medicines, fever, recent vigorous exercise, urinary tract infection, and other kidney diseases.

Q. What is microalbuminuria?

Microalbuminuria is a condition where the levels of albumin protein in urine are more than normal. It is an early sign of kidney problems. The risk of developing microalbuminuria increases in the case of diabetic and hypertensive patients. The patients having microalbuminuria are also at increased risk of having heart disease.

Q. What are the risk factors which can lead to microalbuminuria?

The risk factors include being overweight, smoking, having a family history of diabetes, and kidney problems.

Q. What are the symptoms of microalbuminuria?

The symptoms of microalbuminuria do not appear at the early stages. Symptoms usually appear at late stages when the kidneys stop working properly. The symptoms include changes in urine, changes in the skin, and puffiness.

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