24-Hour Urine Albumin Test (Urine Protein Electrophoresis)
This test measures the amount of albumin, a protein made by your liver, in all the urine you collect over a full 24-hour period. It helps your doctor find early signs of kidney damage and check how well your kidneys are working.
{"Albumin is a protein that should normally remain in your blood, not in urine","This test helps detect early kidney damage, often before symptoms appear","A 24-hour collection provides a more accurate picture than a single urine sample","Elevated albumin in urine (albuminuria) may indicate kidney disease or damage","The test uses electrophoresis to precisely measure albumin levels"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51190-7
- Short code
- ALB24UE
- Synonyms
- Albumin 24h Ur Elph-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container with preservative (typically boric acid or toluene)
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 30
- Critical range
- 1.5 not specified – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- electrophoresis
- CPT
- 82043
- SNOMED
- 271254004
- Specimen volume
- Complete 24-hour collection (volume typically 1000-2000 mL depending on patient)
- Stability
- Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen at -20°C: 30 days; Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The 24-hour urine albumin test measures the amount of albumin, a protein produced by your liver, in your urine over a 24-hour period. Electrophoresis is the laboratory technique used to separate and measure the albumin protein specifically. Normally, kidneys filter waste from blood while keeping important proteins like albumin in the bloodstream. When kidneys are damaged, albumin can leak into urine.
How is the test performed?
You will receive a special container from your healthcare provider. On the day of collection, start by urinating into the toilet when you wake up. For the next 24 hours, collect all urine in the provided container. Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place. After 24 hours, bring the container to your lab or healthcare facility as instructed. The urine sample is then analyzed using electrophoresis to measure the albumin content.
Why is this test important?
This test is crucial for detecting kidney damage early, particularly in people with diabetes or high blood pressure. Early detection of albumin in urine (called microalbuminuria) allows for early treatment that can slow or prevent kidney disease progression. The 24-hour collection is more accurate than spot urine tests because it accounts for variations in urine concentration throughout the day.
How to prepare for the test?
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully. You may need to avoid certain medications that can affect test results, such as some antibiotics or pain relievers. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you take. Drink normal amounts of fluid unless instructed otherwise. Avoid strenuous exercise before and during the collection period, as this can temporarily increase albumin in urine.
Reference range
0-30 mg/Lnot specified
Collect complete 24-hour urine specimen (discard first morning void; collect all subsequent urine including next morning void). Keep refrigerated during collection. No fasting or special diet required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does a high albumin level mean I have kidney disease?
Is the 24-hour collection inconvenient?
Will I need to change my diet before the test?
What happens if my results are abnormal?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy