Albumintmurmrate
A urine albumin test measures the amount of albumin protein in your urine to evaluate kidney function and detect early kidney damage.
{"Albumin is a protein that should normally stay in your blood, not leak into urine","Elevated urine albumin (albuminuria) can indicate kidney disease or damage","The test is simple, requiring only a urine sample","Early detection of albumin in urine helps prevent chronic kidney disease progression","Results are often reported as a ratio to creatinine (ACR) for accuracy"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 49002-9
- Short code
- UAlb
- Synonyms
- Albumin ?Tm Ur-mRate
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine collection container (plastic or glass, without preservatives)
- 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
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoturbidimetric assay
- CPT
- 82043
- SNOMED
- 271588001
- Specimen volume
- 10-50 mL preferred
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The urine albumin test measures how much albumin, a protein produced by the liver, is present in your urine. Under normal circumstances, healthy kidneys filter waste from blood while keeping important proteins like albumin in the bloodstream. When kidneys are damaged or diseased, they may allow albumin to leak into urine, a condition called albuminuria or proteinuria.
Why is it performed?
This test is primarily used to screen for and monitor kidney damage, especially in patients with conditions that increase kidney disease risk such as diabetes (diabetic nephropathy), high blood pressure, or family history of kidney disease. It can also help detect early kidney problems before symptoms appear, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
How is the sample collected?
The test requires a urine sample, which can be collected at a healthcare facility or at home. You will be given a sterile container to collect a mid-stream urine sample. For more accurate results, your healthcare provider may request a timed urine collection (such as 24-hour urine collection) or a spot urine sample with simultaneous creatinine measurement to calculate the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR).
Understanding your results
Normal urine albumin levels are typically very low or undetectable. Microalbuminuria refers to small but abnormal amounts of albumin in urine (30-300 mg/day), while macroalbuminuria indicates larger amounts (>300 mg/day). Your healthcare provider will interpret results based on your individual health status, underlying conditions, and whether the test was a single sample or part of a timed collection.
Reference range
0-30 mg/daynot specified
Timed urine collection; avoid vigorous exercise for 24h prior and during collection; no fasting required
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?
Is the test painful?
What can cause false results?
How often should I have this 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