Microalbumin Urine Test is done to get early information about kidney failure and take corrective action. Diabetes and High Blood Pressure both damage the kidneys. If you have either of these two conditions you should undergo Microalbumin Urine Test to look for early signs of kidney damage.

Albumin is needed by the body for muscle repair. Kidneys filter the blood to keep good things within the body and throw out bad things through urine. If kidneys start leaking microalbumin which is essential for the body, it indicates kidney damage.

Your doctor will suggest microalbumin urine test when you have:

• Type 1 diabetes. You’ll get the test once a year starting 5 years from when you got the condition.
• Type 2 diabetes. You’ll get the test once a year starting as soon as you find out you have it.
• High blood pressure  Your doctor will talk to you about how often to get tested.

You may also need to get tested if you:

• Are 65 or older with risk factors for heart or kidney disease
• Belong to an ethnic group more likely to get kidney disease, including African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and American Indians
• Have any family members who have or had kidney disease

There is no special precaution to be taken before taking the Microalbumin Test. Normal food and liquid intake can be taken before the test unless specified by the doctor. Intense exercise can lead to a temporary increase in albumin, hence must be avoided on the morning of the test.

The factors which may affect microalbumin test results are:

• Intense exercise before the test
• Fever
• Urinary tract infection
• Hematuria
• Certain medications
• Other kidney diseases