The 24-hour urine albumin test measures how much albumin protein your kidneys release into your urine over a full day. Albumin is a protein made by the liver that normally stays in your bloodstream. Healthy kidneys filter waste while keeping important proteins like albumin in the blood. When the kidneys become damaged, albumin can leak into the urine. How is the test performed? Your healthcare provider will give you a special collection container. On the morning you begin, urinate into the toilet and discard that first sample. For the next 24 hours, collect every drop of urine in the container, and keep it refrigerated or in a cool place as directed. After the full 24 hours, bring the complete collection to the laboratory; collecting every sample is essential for accurate results. Why is this test important? It can detect early kidney damage before symptoms appear, which is especially valuable for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, since early detection allows treatment that can slow or prevent further damage. Do I need to fast? No fasting is required, but follow your doctor's instructions about medications and diet, as some doctors ask you to avoid intense exercise or certain foods beforehand. What if I miss a sample? Contact your provider or the laboratory for guidance, because missing a sample can make results inaccurate and you may need to start over. Can I go to work or school? Yes, you can continue normal activities—just carry the container with you and collect urine each time you urinate. What do abnormal results mean? Persistent albumin in the urine usually indicates kidney damage, although temporary increases can occur with urinary tract infections, fever, intense exercise, or pregnancy; your doctor may repeat the test to confirm.
A test that measures the amount of protein (albumin) in urine collected over 24 hours to assess kidney function. It helps detect early kidney damage before symptoms develop, especially in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
{"Measures albumin protein excreted in urine over 24 hours","Helps detect early kidney damage, especially from diabetes or hypertension","Requires complete 24-hour urine collection for accurate results","Results are reported in mg/24h","Higher than normal levels may indicate kidney disease"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1755-8
- Short code
- UAlb24
- Synonyms
- Albumin 24h Ur-mRate
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container with or without preservative, labeled with patient name, date, and start/stop times
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 30
- Critical range
- 1.5 not specified – 300 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Immunoturbidimetric assay or colorimetric method using bromocresol green (BCG) dye-binding technique
- CPT
- 82043
- SNOMED
- 272625005
- Specimen volume
- Complete 24-hour urine collection, typically 1000-2000 mL total volume
- Stability
- Refrigerate at 2-8°C during collection. If preservatives used, room temperature acceptable. Stable for up to 7 days refrigerated, or freeze at -20°C for longer storage.
- 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 protein your kidneys filter out and excrete in urine over a 24-hour period. Albumin is a protein made by the liver that normally stays in your blood. When kidneys are healthy, they filter waste but keep important proteins like albumin in the blood. When kidneys are damaged, albumin leaks into urine.
How is the test performed?
You will receive a special container from your healthcare provider. On the day of collection: 1) Start by urinating into the toilet when you wake up (this first sample is discarded). 2) For the next 24 hours, collect all urine in the provided container. 3) Store the container as directed (usually refrigerated). 4) After 24 hours, bring the complete collection to the lab. It's important to collect every urine sample during the 24-hour period for accurate results.
Why is this test important?
This test is crucial for detecting early kidney damage before symptoms appear. It is particularly important for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or family history of kidney disease. Early detection allows for timely treatment that can slow or prevent kidney damage progression.
Reference range
0-30 mg/24 hrnot specified
Complete 24-hour urine collection required; avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before and during collection; no fasting needed
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before the test?
What if I forget to collect a urine sample during the 24 hours?
Can I go to work or school during the collection period?
What do abnormal results mean?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
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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