ALPHA 1 Microglobulin, ALPHA - 1MG, Protein HC

Immunology

---

Description

Alpha-1 microglobulin (A1M) is a 30kDa glycoprotein, that can be measured in urine as a marker of tubular function. It is made in the liver but is present in various organs and body fluids. Tubular proteinuria refers to conditions with a defect in normal endocytic reabsorption of filtered protein. In these conditions the urine contains a disproportionate amount of light-molecular-weight proteins such as A1M, beta 2-microglobulin and urine retinol binding protein, in contrast to albumin [2]. A1M in the urine is increased in tubular proteinuria. An increase can also be seen in glomerular proteinuria. For this reason an increase in A1M excretion can only be taken as indicative of a tubular proteinuria in the absence of a glomerular proteinuria as evidenced by assessment of albumin excretion [1]. There are many causes of tubular protienuria, including heavy metal poisoning (lead and cadmium), nephrotoxic drugs, tubulointerstitial disease and diabetic nephropathy [3].

---

Indications

Investigation of Tubular Proteinuria

---

Sample Type

20mL Urine. Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

---

Reference Range

<15 mg/L or <1.3 mg/mmol creatinine.Reference range manufacturer derived and verified in house.

---

Turnaround Time

Within 10 days

---

Testing Frequency

As required

---

References

PRU Handbook of Clinical Immunochemistry. 9th Ed. 2007. [Ref 1]Andersson L, et al. Methodological issues on the use of alpha-1 microglobulin in epidemological studies. Nephro Dial Transplant. 2007. 0:1-5. [Ref 2]Penders J and Delanghe J. Alpha-1 microglobulin: clinical laboratory aspects and applications. Clin Chim Acta. 2004. 346:107-118. [Ref 3]

---

Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.