Alpha 1 Microglobulin 24 Hour Urine
What is this test?
Alpha 1 microglobulin test is used to measure the minute amount of albumin present in your urine. This test may help to diagnose kidney dysfunction or kidney damage. It also helps in finding out whether diabetes has affected your kidneys.
What is Alpha 1 Microglobulin?
Alpha 1 microglobulin is a protein with low molecular weight, the protein is synthesised by the liver and is freely filtered from the kidneys. The concentration of the protein in the urine sample can be used to observe the kidney function. The Increased concentration of alpha 1 microglobulin in urine indicated kidney damage or impaired tubular function. The urinary concentration of alpha 1 microglobulin can be useful for the early detection of diseases associated with kidney damage like renal tubular injury, tubular dysfunction, etc.
Why is this test recommended?
This test is recommended by the doctor during certain diseases or conditions like renal tubulointerstitial nephritis, tubular toxicity, kidney damage due to heavy metal exposure or medicine use, etc.
This test is recommended by the doctor as one of the diagnostic tests recommended for observing kidney damage. This test is may also be recommended by the doctor if you experience certain signs and symptoms of kidney damage like decrease or increase in the frequency and volume of urination, change in the colour of urine, pain while passing urine, swelling on face, arms, stomach, legs, feet or around eyes, nausea or vomiting, weakness, muscle cramps, etc. You may be advised to undergo this test if you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney problems. If you have been using pain killers or antibiotics which may damage the kidney for a long time and start experiencing a few symptoms, etc.
Test Frequency:
If you have a family history of kidney problems, your doctor may ask you to perform this test on a 6-monthly basis or a yearly basis. Patients with kidney disorders should perform this test on a regular basis, as instructed by the doctor.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Alpha 1 Microglobulin 24 Hour Urine. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Alpha 1 Microglobulin 24 Hour Urine.
No specific preparation is required for this test.
Understanding your test results
If your Alpha microglobulin urine test results are moderately higher than the normal range it may indicate early stages of kidney disease, if it is higher than the normal range it may indicate the advanced kidney disease or sometimes the risk of heart disease.
If your test results are lower than the normal range repeat the test using a 24-hour urine sample to confirm the results.
If you get abnormal test results, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend other tests depending on your results.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| MALE | All age groups | 0.0 - 1.2 mg/dl |
| FEMALE | All age groups | 0.0 - 1.2 mg/dl |