What Are the Causes and Treatments for a High Level of Microalbumin?
The cause for a high number during a urine microalbumin test is kidney disease, and treatment depends on how serious the kidney disease is, states Mayo Clinic. The test measures the amount of a blood protein, called albumin, in the urine.
Most people who have diabetes receive a microalbumin test once a year to determine the risk of kidney damage, explains Mayo Clinic. Normal levels should be less than 30 milligrams of protein. Results that are over 30 milligrams but under 300 milligrams indicate the patient is in the early stages of kidney disease. Results that are highly elevated, over 300 milligrams, show that the patient has advanced kidney disease.
There are some instances where the test results may be skewed, so some doctors ask patients to repeat the test if elevated microalbumin levels are found, according to Mayo Clinic. Things that can skew test results include blood in the urine, fever, certain medications and recent exercise. Other kidney issues may also lead to elevated microalbumin levels. A patient should tell his doctor about all medications he is currently taking before being testing for microalbumin levels. This urine test is recommended for any person who is at risk of kidney disease, including those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
