ALPHA-1-MICROGLOBULIN - urine

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Specimen: Random urine.

Method: Immunoassay. An analyte/creatinine ratio is used to correct for varying dilution of urine.

Reference Interval: <15 mg/L; <1.5 g/mol creatinine.

Application: Diagnosis of tubular proteinuria (eg Fanconi syndrome, tubulo-interstitial disorders). This test is preferable to b2-microglobulin, as the latter is unstable in acid urine.

Interpretation: Increased excretion shows the presence of renal tubular disease. Increased levels may be present in the nephrotic syndrome but this is not invariable.

Reference: Guder WG and Hofmann W. Clin Nephrol 1992; 38: 53-57.

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