Alpha 1 Microglobulin result - does anyone have info about this?

[manort]

Hi folks.

I feel that after getting shocked by the possibility of severe kidney disease, I have become an amateur doctor for all the reading I've done, especially about the blood and urine test results.

I've been able to get a good deal of info online about almost everything, except that I have few readings I don't understand.

On a retest, the doc ordered a serum Alpha 1 Microglobulin test. The result sheet says normal range is 9.7-19.9, My reading is 38.

The doc's explanation is that this is evidence of an 'old injury' the the tubules from my kidneys. I also have a slightly high Beta Globulin result which he didn't comment on and may be unconnected.

I've scoured Google about this, but I can't seem to find much information. As he said, this can be used to identify possible renal tubular damage. I can find no 'normal ranges' except in one study done in 1980 that says the mean concentration is 44mg in healthy adults.

I live in Japan, and my larger body size and musculature has made docs in the past read test results wrong in the past, so I'm wondering if anyone has seen a test and what a normal range for a white, 56, male might be?

And while I'm at it, the range her for Cystatin C is 'less than 1mg.' Is this the same as everyone else's results?

I realize we're not doctors here, and will take information given in that light, but anyone's insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[RoxanneKidney]

If the mean concentration is 44 in healthy adults, I would not worry about it. I doctor at the Mayo Clinic, and I have never had this test. Honestly it sounds like a fishing expedition. Stick to the kidney panel. Urine blood work. And eat healthy. You did not mention any of these results, or mention what your C Test result was??? I too have been guilty of diagnosing myself on Google. Even worse now, I am playing attorney right now too.

[manort in reply to RoxanneKidney]

Hi. Thanks for the answer. Actually, the only place I found that mean was in a study from 1980 and I couldn't find any more info.

My last creatinine reading was 1.09 (coming off of 1.37) and my cystatin c level was .94. Only this a1m reading seems truly out of whack, so I'm trying to find out more about it.