Microalbuminuria

General information:

The protein, which is normally excreted in the urine in healthy subjects, is insignificant and reaches up to 150 mg/24h. Determination of amounts between 30 and 300 mg/ 24h is indicative of mild kidney damage and is mistakenly referred to as microalbuminuria ("micro" as an expression of a particularly low concentration).

The detection of microalbuminuria in diabetic patients, after elimination of other causes of origin, is indicative of early diabetic nephropathy. An important reason for the study of microalbuminuria is that, according to a number of studies, damage to the basal membrane during the microalbuminuria stage is reversible.

A spontaneous portion of urine is examined for screening needs.

Microalbuminuria can also be observed in:

• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• pregnancy (preeclampsia status, fetal morbidity)
• non-diabetic vascular diseases

Sample required:

Urine

Key words: 

Urine, diabetes, kidney function, diseases