Microalbumin Urine Test, 12-Hour Collection
This test measures very small amounts of a protein called albumin in your urine collected over a 12-hour period. It helps detect early signs of kidney damage, often before symptoms appear, so treatment can begin as soon as possible.
{"Measures trace amounts of albumin protein in urine","Helps detect kidney damage before it becomes serious","Important for people with diabetes or high blood pressure","Requires a 12-hour urine collection","Results are reported as mass per volume"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57369-1
- Short code
- MA12
- Synonyms
- Microalbumin 12h Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Clean, sterile, wide-mouthed urine collection container with optional preservative (boric acid or sodium carbonate)
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 30
- Critical range
- 1.5 not specified – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- detection-limit-mg-l
- CPT
- 82043
- SNOMED
- 397550006
- Specimen volume
- Complete 12-hour collection (typical range 500-2000 mL, record total volume)
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Room temperature (20-25°C): 24-48 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 microalbumin urine test is a highly sensitive test that detects very small amounts of the protein albumin in your urine. Normally, healthy kidneys filter waste from your blood while keeping important proteins like albumin in your bloodstream. When kidneys are damaged, even slightly, they may leak small amounts of albumin into urine—this is called microalbuminuria.
How is the test performed?
For a 12-hour urine collection, you will be given a special container to collect all urine over a 12-hour period, usually overnight. It's important to follow the collection instructions carefully: start by emptying your bladder at the beginning of the collection period and save that urine, then collect all urine for the next 12 hours, and finally empty your bladder at the end of the collection period and add it to the container. Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place during collection.
Why is this test important?
Detecting microalbuminuria is crucial because it is often one of the earliest signs of kidney disease. Finding protein in urine early allows for timely treatment that can slow or prevent further kidney damage. This test is especially important for individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
Reference range
0-30 mg/Lnot specified
No fasting required. Collect complete 12-hour timed urine specimen as directed; avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to and during collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The presence of microalbumin in urine (microalbuminuria) is a key indicator of early kidney damage, also known as diabetic nephropathy in diabetic patients. Even small amounts of albumin (30-300 mg per 24 hours) can signal that the kidneys' filtering units are being damaged. This test helps healthcare providers identify kidney problems years before symptoms appear, allowing for early intervention with medications (like ACE inhibitors or ARBs) and lifestyle changes to protect kidney function.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
What do the results mean?
How often should I have this test?
Can exercise or diet affect the results?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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