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Microalbuminuria test - Results

Normal Values:

Normally, protein stays in the body. Little or no protein shows up in the urine.

A result of less than 30 micrograms per milligram (mcg/mg) is normal. This means that your kidneys are most likely working well.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your test results.

The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

What abnormal results mean:

If the test finds albumin in your urine, your doctor may repeat the test.

Abnormal results may mean your kidneys are starting to get damaged. But the damage may not yet be bad. There are two ways you may see abnormal results reported:

  • Range of 20 - 200 ug/min
  • Range of 30 - 300 mg/24 hours

You will need more tests must be done to confirm a problem. The test will also show how bad any kidney damage may be.

Most often the problem is caused by diabetes. Higher levels may also occur with some immune disorders and high blood pressure. It may also happen with narrowing of the artery of the kidneys.

  • Reviewed last on: 4/26/2011
  • A.D.A.M. Editorial: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine (10/8/2010).

References

American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes -- 2011. Diabetes Care. 2011;34:S11-S61.

Inzucchi SE, Sherwin RS. Type 1 diabetes mellitus. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 247.

Inzucchi SE, Sherwin RS. Type 2 diabetes mellitus. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 248.

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