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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Albumin and Microalbumin?

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Albumin and microalbumin are both proteins found in the urine, but they differ in their concentration and significance in relation to kidney health.

Albumin is a type of protein produced by the liver and released into the blood. It makes up 66% of the protein in blood plasma and is essential for various bodily functions, including tissue growth and repair.

Microalbumin refers to a very small quantity of albumin that the kidneys excrete. Healthy individuals typically excrete tiny amounts of albumin in their urine, ranging from 30 to 300 mg. The presence of microalbumin in the urine is called microalbuminuria.

The main differences between albumin and microalbumin are:

  • Concentration: Albumin is present in higher concentrations in the blood, while microalbumin is a much smaller amount of albumin excreted in the urine.
  • Diagnostic Use: Microalbuminuria is used as an early indicator of kidney disease. High values of microalbumin in the urine may suggest kidney damage, while low values may indicate diabetes insipidus, a problem with fluid balance in the body. A normal albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) should be lower than 3 mg/mmol in healthy individuals.

A microalbumin test is often used to screen for kidney disease in individuals who may be at risk, such as those with diabetes. By detecting kidney disease early, patients can receive appropriate treatment to prevent further complications.

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  • What is the Difference Between Albumin and Microalbumin?
  • Comparative Table: Albumin vs Microalbumin

    • Comparative Table: Albumin vs Microalbumin

    Here is a table that highlights the differences between albumin and microalbumin:

    Feature Albumin Microalbumin
    Definition Albumin is a type of protein that is formed by the liver and released into the blood. Microalbumin is a small quantity of albumin that the kidney excretes.
    Formation Produced by the liver. Excreted by the kidneys.
    Quantity Normal individuals excrete a certain tiny amount of albumin in the urine, called microalbumin, which is about 30-300 mg of albumin per 24 hours. Healthy individuals should have less than 30 mg of albumin in their urine per day.
    Clinical Significance High levels of albumin in the urine, known as macroalbuminuria, indicate kidney damage. Low levels of microalbumin may indicate diabetes insipidus, a problem with fluid balance in the body.
    Diagnostic Use An albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) is used diagnostically to assess a person's health status, with a ratio lower than 3 mg/mmol considered healthy. Microalbuminuria is measured and used as a marker for kidney function and to detect early kidney damage.
    Measurement Methods Quantitative measurements of albumin and creatinine, as well as microalbumin dipstick test strips, are used to detect albumin in urine. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and other methods are used to measure microalbumin levels in urine.

    In summary, albumin is a protein produced by the liver and released into the blood, while microalbumin is a small quantity of albumin excreted by the kidneys. The differences in their quantities, clinical significance, and diagnostic uses are outlined in the table above.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.