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Interpretive Handbook

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Test 84448:
Alpha-1-Microglobulin, Random, Urine

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Alpha-1-microglobulin is a low-molecular-weight protein of 26 kDa and a member of the lipocalin protein superfamily.(1) It is synthesized in the liver, freely filtered by glomeruli, and reabsorbed by renal proximal tubules cells where it is catabolized.(1) Due to extensive tubular reabsorption, under normal conditions very little filtered alpha-1-microglobulin appears in the final excreted urine. Therefore, an increase in the urinary concentration of alpha-1-microglobulin indicates proximal tubule injury and/or impaired proximal tubular function.

 

Elevated excretion rates can indicate tubular damage associated with renal tubulointerstitial nephritis or tubular toxicity from heavy metal or nephrotoxic drug exposure. Glomerulonephropathies and renal vasculopathies also are often associated with coexisting tubular injury and so may result in elevated urinary alpha-1-microglobulin excretion. Elevated alpha-1-microglobulin in patients with urinary tract infections may indicate renal involvement (pyelonephritis). Measurement of urinary excretion of retinol-binding protein, another low-molecular-weight protein, is an alternative to the measurement of alpha-1-microglobulin. To date, there are no convincing studies to indicate that 1 test has better clinical utility than the other.

 

Urinary excretion of alpha-1-microglobulin can be determined from either a 24-hour collection or from a random urine collection. The 24-hour collection is traditionally considered the gold standard. For random or spot collections, the concentration of alpha-1-microglobulin is divided by the urinary creatinine concentration. This corrected value adjusts alpha-1-microglobulin for variabilities in urine concentration.

Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Assessment of renal tubular injury or dysfunction

 

Screening for tubular abnormalities

 

Detecting chronic asymptomatic renal tubular dysfunction

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

Alpha-1-microglobulin above the reference values may indicate a proximal tubular dysfunction. As suggested in the literature, 7 mg/g creatinine is an upper reference limit for pediatric patients of 1 month to 15 years of age.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

Since this is a nephelometric assay, turbidity and particles (eg, cells, crystals) in the sample can interfere with the test. Therefore, all urine specimens should be centrifuged at ambient temperature prior to assay.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

<50 years: <13 mg/g creatinine

> or =50 years: <20 mg/g creatinine

Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature

1. Akerstrom B, Logdberg L, Berggard T, et al: Alpha-1-microglobulin: a yellow-brown lipocalin. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 2000 Oct 18;1482(1-2):172-184

2. Hjorth L, Helin I, Grubb A: Age-related reference limits for urine levels of albumin, orosomucoid, immunoglobulin G and protein HC in children. Scand J Clin Lab Invest 2000 Feb;60(1):65-73

3. Yu H, Yanagisawa Y, Forbes M, et al: Alpha-1-microglobulin: an indicator protein for renal tubular function. J Clin Pathol 1983 Mar;36(3):253-259