Practical Aspects of Calculation, Expression and Interpretation Of Urine Albumin Measurement

Vilas U. Chavan*, Anjum K. Sayyed**, Pushpa P. Durgawale**, Ajit V. Sontakke** , Shreyasprasad D. Nilakhe*

Abstract
There is a large variation for estimation of albumin in urine between different laboratories. Clinical practice guidelines for the urine albumin measurements have been issued by professional organizations in several countries. These guidelines are not uniform in recommendations regarding sample type, time of sample collection, units of reporting, reference intervals used for interpretation, nor methods used to measure albumin. The aim of this article is to provide practical information regarding laboratory measurement, calculations, reporting and interpretation of urine albumin excretion. For laboratory estimation of urine albumin one can follow clinical practice guidelines suitable for their region or country or recommended by professional organisation. There is lot of confusion about reporting of results in different units. Ideally, International System of Units should be adopted. Also there should be agreement all over the world to use single system of units for expressing results for urine albumin measurement. At present in India there are no such clear guidelines about laboratory measurement of urine albumin.

Key words: Microalbuminuria, urine albumin measurement, albumin: creatinine ratio, calculation, interpretation.