Understanding Urine Albumin

While it might not really be joyful, it is important. Those who worry that they may have kidney disease are commonly advised to take two tests to determine whether their kidneys are at risk. The first is the GFR test, a blood test that looks at the kidney’s filtration rate. 

The second test looks for a protein found in the blood called albumin. When a kidney is functioning properly, it will filter for albumin so it does not pass into the the urine. If there is a presence of this protein in the urine, it could be indicative of a kidney problem.

This is because kidneys that are functioning normally will not let any of the protein into the urine. Whereas damaged kidneys will let some of the albumin through. A kidney that is failing will let much more through. The less in the urine the better.

When healthcare professionals test for albumin in the urine, they will likely want to get more than one sample and at different times. They need to test a couple of times to make sure their findings are accurate. It gives them a better idea of the actual albumin levels in the blood, and that can give them a better idea of what type of treatments, if any, they should recommend.

Test results below 30 are normal, while those above 30 are abnormal. It could indicate kidney disease. The numbers are basic, but it can still get a bit confusing, so make sure you speak with your physician about what your specific numbers mean. They will let you know if you have kidneys concerns, and can work to keep you as healthy as possible. 

Reference
http://nkdep.nih.gov/learn/testing/understand-urine-albumin.shtml

Our informational articles are for your information only and are not intended as medical advice. Because everyone is different, we recommend you work with your medical professional to determine what’s best for you.