Albumin24hurmcnc
A test that measures the amount of albumin protein in your urine collected over 24 hours to assess kidney function.
{"This test detects early kidney damage, especially in people with diabetes or high blood pressure","You will collect all urine in a special container for 24 hours","Normal albumin excretion is less than 30 mg per day","Higher levels may indicate kidney disease or damage","The test helps doctors monitor kidney health and treatment effectiveness"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 21059-1
- Short code
- UAlb24
- Synonyms
- Albumin 24h Ur-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
- 2
- Critical range
- 1.5 not specified – 3000 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Immunoturbidimetry
- CPT
- 82043
- SNOMED
- 365761006
- Specimen volume
- Complete 24-hour collection, typically 1000-2000 mL total volume
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Room temperature (20-25°C): 48 hours; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- 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 how much albumin, a type of protein, is present in your urine over a 24-hour period. Albumin is normally found in the blood and helps maintain fluid balance in the body. When the kidneys are healthy, they filter waste while keeping important proteins like albumin in the bloodstream. When kidneys are damaged, albumin can leak into the urine, which is why this test is so valuable for detecting kidney problems early.
How do I prepare for this test?
Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions. Generally, you should: follow your normal diet and activities, inform your doctor about all medications you take (some drugs can affect results), avoid strenuous exercise before and during collection as it can temporarily increase albumin levels, and tell your doctor if you have a urinary tract infection, as this can affect results. Women should note that menstruation can contaminate the sample, so schedule the test accordingly.
How is the test performed?
You will receive a special collection container from the laboratory. On the morning you start, urinate into the toilet and note the exact time. For the next 24 hours, collect all urine in the container. Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place. At the exact same time the next morning, urinate into the container for the final time. Return the complete container to the lab as instructed. It is crucial to collect every urine sample during the 24-hour period for accurate results.
What do the results mean?
Results are typically reported as milligrams of albumin per 24 hours (mg/24hr): Normal is less than 30 mg/24hr, indicating healthy kidney function. Microalbuminuria is 30-300 mg/24hr, suggesting early kidney damage that may be reversible with treatment. Macroalbuminuria (clinical proteinuria) is greater than 300 mg/24hr, indicating more significant kidney damage. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your overall health, medical history, and other test results.
Are there any risks?
There are no significant health risks from the test itself since it only involves urine collection. However, you should handle the collection container with clean hands and keep it properly sealed to prevent contamination. If you have any concerns about handling biological materials, discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider.
Reference range
0-2.0 mg/dLnot specified
Complete 24-hour urine collection (discard first morning void, collect all subsequent voids including next morning); refrigerate during collection; avoid strenuous exercise 24 h prior
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need to collect urine for 24 hours instead of just providing a sample?
What happens if I miss a urine sample during the 24-hour period?
Can I exercise during the urine collection period?
How long will it take to get my results?
What should I do if my results show abnormal albumin levels?
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