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Random Microalbumin Urine Test

The Random Microalbumin Urine Test measures levels of albumin in the urine in order to identify signs of kidney damage or risks of kidney disease.

$69
Order Test
Test Preparation:
None
Testing Method:
Urine sample

The Random Microalbumin Urine Test measures levels of albumin in the urine in order to identify signs of kidney damage or risks of kidney disease. When kidneys are not functioning properly, certain proteins (including albumin) can leak through the kidneys and be expelled via urine. Those with high blood pressure and/or type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at the highest risk for kidney disease. Our Random Microalbumin Urine Test can help prevent these complications and also provide the knowledge to pursue treatment.

How Our Random Microalbumin Test Works

Whether this is your initial Random Microalbumin Test or part of routine monitoring, the process for receiving fast, accurate results from Priority Lab Testing is simple. Just place your online order for the test and then stop by one of our 4,000+ locations (no appointment necessary). A staff member at our professional facility will provide you with instructions and collect a urine sample. This collection process is fast, efficient, and minimally invasive. Most patients are able to make a very short visit to the facility with little disruption to their day. From there, the sample will be processed as quickly as possible with many results returning within 24-72 hours. The results of your Random Microalbumin Test will provide key health insights and give you the information you need to make important medical and lifestyle decisions. 

Symptoms of High Microalbumin

For most people, an increased microalbumin rate will produce no symptoms, which can make it challenging to know when a test is appropriate. In cases of extremely elevated microalbumin, some individuals may experience foamy urine or puffy skin — an indication of kidney complications. 

More often, the need for a Random Microalbumin Test is indicated by associated risk factors1. Those with the following conditions are more likely to benefit from frequent microalbumin monitoring: 

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Family history of kidney failure

In addition, those over age 65 should plan to regularly monitor microalbumin in urine. 

How to Interpret Your Results

Our goal is to give you results that are straightforward and easy to read. Albumin is a naturally-occurring protein in the blood, but its presence in urine can be indicative of kidney disease and is often a precursor to more serious medical complications. If you have high levels of microalbumin in your urine, you can use that information to make lifestyle and medical choices in consultation with your medical care providers. 

Your results will include a ‘results,’ ‘flag,’ and ‘reference range’ column. These three pieces of information will provide an accurate snapshot of your microalbumin rates at the time of the test. The ‘reference range’ will provide information on typical microalbumin rates, which you can use to compare to your own results. If your results are ‘flagged,’ it is an indication of elevated rates that likely require follow-up and continued monitoring. 

Microalbumin Testing as Part of Heart Health Monitoring

The Random Microalbumin Test is included as part of the Heart Health Testing Panel. Alongside a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel and Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelets Test, the Random Microalbumin Test can provide important information on your cardiovascular health. 

High microalbumin presence in urine is indicative of issues with kidney function and has been found to serve as a reliable indicator2 for cardiovascular-related mortality. When monitored as part of a comprehensive heart health plan, microalbumin levels can provide important information that patients can use to make decisions about medication, exercise, diet, and other medical interventions.

FAQs

  • Since increased microalbumin in urine does not typically present any symptoms, those who are at increased risk for kidney or heart disease should take a Random Microalbumin Test at regular intervals. This includes individuals with a family history of kidney failure and those diagnosed with diabetes or high blood pressure.

  • A single incidence of increased microalbumin in the urine may not necessarily be indicative of a long-term issue. Additional testing may be required to rule out acute causes for a temporary increase such as a urinary tract infection. If repeated testing indicates an ongoing increase in microalbumin, individuals can use this information in consultation with their health care providers to make decisions about medication, exercise, and dietary changes.

  • Albumin is a protein in the blood. When small amounts of it are found in urine (microalbumin), it indicates that the kidneys are not functioning properly. This decrease in kidney function can be an early indication of kidney disease as well as a predictor of cardiovascular complications.

  • There are many measures that can be taken to address an increased presence of microalbumin in urine. These include the following: 

    • Maintenance of a healthy weight
    • Changes to diet (especially decreasing saturated fat, salt, and high-protein foods)
    • Smoking cessation
    • Regular exercise

    In addition, your medical professional may recommend medications and increased monitoring. The goal is to reduce future kidney damage and slow or halt the progression of kidney disease.

  1. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/albuminuria

  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3178015/