Albumin is present in high concentrations in the blood, and when the kidneys are functioning properly, virtually no albumin is lost in the urine. How often you need microalbumin tests depends on any underlying conditions and your risk of kidney damage.
NextA urine albumin test is used to screen for kidney disease in people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
High Albumin Levels Increased albumin levels for considerable period of time is also not something that can be taken lightly. The less albumin in your urine, the better. High and low albumin levels: What do they point to? If the level of albumin is within a normal or healthy range, it means that the liver is healthy and functions properly.
NextWB Saunders Company, 2008.
When a urine test shows readings that are not within the normal range, it means that some kidney problem is present in the patient.
NextHowever, in some cases, prealbumin has proved to have higher specificity and sensitivity than albumin when evaluating protein malnutrition.
If you are pregnant, your albumin levels may be lower.
Low albumin levels can reflect diseases in which the kidneys cannot prevent albumin from leaking from the blood into the urine and being lost. A person may, however, have normal or near normal albumin levels with liver disease until the condition has reached an advanced stage. Albumin binds water, cations such as Ca2+, Na+ and K+ , fatty acids, hormones, bilirubin, thyroxine T4 and pharmaceuticals including barbiturates : its main function is to regulate the oncotic pressure of blood.
NextWhy do I need this test? Having good amounts of albumin in the bloodstream is important to fight off infections, prevent muscle loss, and heal faster after surgery or illness.
Albumin is a protein made by the liver that keeps fluid from leaking out of blood vessels, nourishes tissues, and transports hormones, vitamins, drugs, and substances like calcium throughout the body.
NextIn this case, the amount of albumin or protein in the urine also may be measured see Urine Albumin or tests for creatinine and BUN or a renal panel may be ordered.
Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use.
NextThus, the blood fluids cannot become separated and leak into the tissues.