What is Microalbumin test?
Albumin is a protein present in blood, which plays an important role in tissue growth and healing. Kidneys cannot filter albumin due to its large size, and hence this protein is not found in urine. Compared to other proteins, albumin is relatively small in size. In case of any issues at the filtration level, albumin molecules are filtered through kidneys and appear in urine. The presence of albumin in urine is called ‘albuminuria’. It is a form of ‘proteinuria’. Proteinuria or albuminuria may occur due to various diseases, such as diabetes, raised blood pressure (hypertension) or problems in kidneys.
Initially, only a small amount of albumin is seen in urine. This is called ‘microalbuminuria’. Microalbuminuria is believed to be indicative of the early onset of kidney damage, particularly in patients with diabetes or hypertension. Severe kidney damage such as in long-term diabetes mellitus or hypertension is associated with the presence of large amounts of albumin in the urine. This is called macroalbuminuria.
A microalbumin test also called as a urine albumin test, detects albumin in urine. Hence, the doctor may recommend this test to know if kidneys are working properly.