Albumin in 24-Hour Urine by Electrophoresis
This test detects and measures albumin protein in a 24-hour urine collection using electrophoresis to assess kidney function.
{"A 24-hour urine albumintest checks for kidney damage by measuring protein in your urine","Electrophoresis is a laboratory method that separates proteins to detect albumin specifically","This test is especially important for patients with diabetes or suspected kidney disease","You will need to collect all urine over a 24-hour period for accurate results","Positive results may indicate kidney damage but require further testing for confirmation"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 29946-1
- Short code
- ALB24UE
- Synonyms
- Albumin 24h Ur Ql Elph
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container with preservative (typically boric acid or toluene)
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 3.5
- Ref high
- 5
- Critical range
- 7.2 not specified – 7.6 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- electrophoresis
- CPT
- 82043
- SNOMED
- 27387-5
- Specimen volume
- Complete 24-hour collection; minimum 10 mL for analysis
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 48–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Albumin in 24-Hour Urine by Electrophoresis test measures the amount of albumin protein in your urine over a 24-hour period. Albumin is a protein normally found in blood that helps transport hormones, vitamins, and enzymes throughout your body. When your kidneys are healthy, they filter waste from your blood while keeping important proteins like albumin in your bloodstream. When kidney damage occurs, albumin can leak into urine, a condition called proteinuria or albuminuria.
How does electrophoresis work?
Electrophoresis is a laboratory technique that separates proteins in a sample based on their electrical charge and size. In this test, your urine sample is placed in a gel, and an electrical current is applied. Because albumin has a specific charge and size, it separates from other proteins and can be identified and measured. This method is highly accurate for detecting even small amounts of albumin in urine, making it valuable for early detection of kidney problems.
How is the 24-hour urine collected?
For a 24-hour urine collection, you will receive special containers from your healthcare provider. On the day of collection, urinate first thing in the morning and discard that sample. From that point, collect ALL urine for the next 24 hours, including the first morning urine the next day. Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place during collection. Record the start and end times of your collection. Return the complete container to the laboratory as instructed.
What do the results mean?
Normal urine contains very little to no albumin. Results are typically reported as milligrams (mg) of albumin per 24 hours. A result less than 30 mg/24 hours is generally considered normal. Results between 30-300 mg/24 hours indicate microalbuminuria (small amounts of albumin), which may be an early sign of kidney damage. Results above 300 mg/24 hours indicate macroalbuminuria (large amounts of protein), suggesting more significant kidney disease. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results based on your overall health and other test findings.
Reference range
Adult: 3.5-5.0 g/dLnot specified
Complete 24-hour urine collection required; refrigerate during collection. No fasting needed; avoid vigorous exercise prior to collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The 24-hour urine albumin test is primarily used to screen for and monitor diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage caused by diabetes). Early detection of microalbuminuria allows for interventions that can slow or prevent progression to kidney failure. The test is also used to evaluate patients with suspected glomerular diseases, hypertension, and other conditions that may affect kidney function. Serial testing over time helps track kidney disease progression or response to treatment.
In addition to kidney disease monitoring, persistent albuminuria can be a marker for increased cardiovascular risk. Research shows that individuals with elevated urine albumin have a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. Therefore, this test provides important information beyond just kidney health.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Can I exercise before or during the collection?
What happens if I miss a urine sample during collection?
Is this test painful?
How often should I have this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy