Urine Albumin Electrophoresis Test
A urine test that measures the amount of albumin protein in your urine using a laboratory technique called electrophoresis, which helps your doctor evaluate how well your kidneys are working and detect early signs of kidney damage.
{"This test measures albumin (a protein) in your urine","It helps detect early kidney damage, often before symptoms appear","Commonly used for patients with diabetes or high blood pressure","The test uses electrophoresis to separate and measure urine proteins","Abnormal results may indicate kidney disease or other conditions"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 77940-5
- Short code
- UAlbE
- Synonyms
- Albumin ?Tm Ur Elph-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container (plain or with boric acid preservative)
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0
- Critical range
- 1.5 not specified – 3000 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- electrophoresis
- CPT
- 82043
- SNOMED
- 271581001
- Specimen volume
- 10-50 mL preferred; minimum 1 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24-48 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 5-7 days; Frozen (-20°C): several weeks
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The urine albumin electrophoresis test measures the amount of albumin protein in your urine. Albumin is a protein made by your liver that normally stays in your blood. When albumin appears in your urine, it often signals that your kidneys are not filtering properly. This test uses a technique called electrophoresis, which separates different proteins in the urine so each type can be measured individually. Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for early kidney damage, often before you notice any symptoms.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have conditions that increase your risk of kidney damage, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease. It may also be used if a routine urine test shows protein in your urine (proteinuria). Early detection of albumin in the urine, called microalbuminuria, is important because treatment started early can help prevent or slow kidney damage. This test is more detailed than simple urine protein tests and can identify specific types of proteins present.
How is the test performed?
You will provide a urine sample, typically collected in a sterile container. For a random urine sample, you can collect urine at any time of day. Sometimes your doctor may request a 24-hour urine collection, where you collect all urine produced in a day. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where technicians use electrophoresis to separate and measure the albumin content. The process applies an electrical current to the urine sample, which causes proteins to move and separate based on their electrical charge and size. This allows the lab to accurately measure the albumin concentration.
What do the results mean?
Normal urine contains very little or no albumin. If your test shows albumin in your urine, it may indicate: early kidney damage (microalbuminuria), diabetic kidney disease, high blood pressure affecting your kidneys, glomerulonephritis (kidney inflammation), urinary tract infection, or other kidney disorders. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your health history and other test results. Multiple tests over time may be needed to confirm a diagnosis. Early-stage kidney damage often has no symptoms, which is why this test is so valuable for at-risk patients.
Reference range
Not detected (0 mg/dL)not specified
No fasting required; random urine collection preferred; avoid contamination
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Urine albumin electrophoresis is clinically significant for detecting early kidney damage in patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and other risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). The presence of albumin in urine (albuminuria) is a key marker of glomerular dysfunction and is strongly associated with increased cardiovascular risk. This test can detect microalbuminuria (small amounts of albumin) before significant kidney damage occurs, allowing for early intervention with ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or other kidney-protective treatments. The test is also useful in differentiating types of proteinuria and in monitoring disease progression or treatment response in patients with known kidney disease.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Will the test be painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What can affect my test results?
What happens if my results show abnormal albumin levels?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy