mALB

Product Description

Albumin is a type of protein typically present in the blood. Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in muscle building, tissue repair, and immune function. However, protein should remain in the bloodstream and not be present in the urine. When albumin(protein) is found in the urine, it is referred to as albuminuria or proteinuria.

A primary function of the kidneys is to filter the blood, retaining substances necessary for bodily functions, such as protein, while removing waste products and excess fluids. In healthy kidneys, only trace amounts of protein, if any, should be allowed to pass into the urine. However, when the kidneys are damaged, they may allow protein to 'leak' into the urine.An elevated level of albumin in the urine signifies an increased risk of progression from chronic kidney disease to kidney failure.

Urinary albumin is most accurately quantified by determining the amount of albumin passed in a 24-hour period, but this is impractical in clinical cases.

Urinary albumin concentrations may be indexed to the urine creatinine concentration to account for denominator effects of changes in urine volume. Dividing the urinary albumin concentration (mg/dL) by the creatinine concentration (mg/dL) produces a unitless ratio, which provides a sensitive and reliable diagnostic method for the detection and quantification of albuminuria and is well correlated with 24-hour albumin excretion in urine samples without evidence of blood.

Clinical Significance

1.Albuminuria is a significant predictor of CKD progression, development of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and is associated with cardiovascular mortality.

2.Albuminuria is associated with worse prognosis at every stage of CKD.

3.Albuminuria is also significantly associated with CVD morbidity.

The KDIGO guidelines recommend annual UACR screening for high-risk populations, emphasizing its prognostic value in chronic kidney disease progression