Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Microalbuminuria has been shown to predict the later development of established clinical diabetic nephropathy in insulin dependent diabetics and of diabetic nephropathy and increased mortality in non-insulin dependent patients.
The rate of progressive deterioration of renal function may be slowed, stabilised or even reversed with improved glucose control by means of multiple injections or infusion pumps, hypertension treatment and dietary protein restriction. Early intervention (i.e. before development of clinical proteinuria) appears to be much more effective.
Specimen container paediatric:
Plain universal tube
Specimen container adult:
Plain universal tube (random collection) or 24-hour urine container
Minimum volume paediatric:
6 µL (+100 µL dead volume)
Minimum volume adult:
6 µL (+100 µL dead volume)
Special requirements:
Ideal sample required is the second void urine sample.
Sample stability:
7 days at 15-25C
1 month at 2-8C
Availability:
All times
All sites
Quality assurance:
WEQAS
Reference ranges:
Microalbumin: Creatinine Ratio: 0 – 3 mg/mmol creatinine
Factors affecting result:
Erect posture and acute diuresis increase urinary albumin production.
False positive results can be caused by contamination with menstrual or seminal fluid, or by a urinary tract infection.
High urine volumes in poorly controlled diabetic patients may cause false negative albumin results.