Albuminoreaction is a complex medical term that refers to a diagnostic test for the presence of protein in a patient's urine. The word is pronounced as /ælˌbjumɪnoʊriˈækʃən/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of this word can be broken down into smaller components: "albumino" refers to the protein albumin, and "reaction" indicates a chemical or biological process. The suffix "-tion" is used to indicate the action or process of something. Therefore, "albuminoreaction" describes the process of testing for albumin protein in urine.
Albuminoreaction refers to a diagnostic test performed to measure the presence and levels of albumin in the urine. Albumin is a protein that is typically present in the blood, but under normal circumstances, only trace amounts are found in urine. Higher levels of albumin in the urine, known as albuminuria, may indicate a malfunction in the kidney's filtration system, specifically the glomeruli.
The albuminoreaction is conducted by collecting a urine sample from the individual, usually over a 24-hour period, to obtain a significant quantity for accurate measurement. The sample is then analyzed using chemical reagents or immunoassay techniques to detect and quantify the albumin content. This test is commonly employed to identify and monitor kidney damage or disease, such as diabetic nephropathy or hypertension-related kidney problems, as increased albumin levels can be an early sign of impaired kidney function. It is often performed alongside other renal function tests to provide a comprehensive evaluation of kidney health.
Monitoring albumin levels in the urine through the albuminoreaction assists medical professionals in assessing the progression of kidney disease, determining the effectiveness of treatments, and making informed decisions regarding patient management. Early detection and intervention in cases of albuminuria are essential to prevent further renal damage and complications. Therefore, the albuminoreaction plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of kidney-related conditions by providing valuable information regarding albumin excretion in the urine.
The presence (positive reaction), or absence (negative reaction) of albumin in the sputum, the positive reaction indicating an inflammatory process in the lungs.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.