Microalbumin Test (24-Hour Urine Collection)
A test that measures very small amounts of a protein called albumin in your urine to check for early kidney damage, often before you have any symptoms. Albumin normally stays in your blood, but when the kidneys are not filtering properly, tiny amounts can leak into the urine. Because this test is highly sensitive, it can detect levels that routine urine tests may miss, making it especially useful for people with diabetes or high blood pressure who need regular kidney monitoring.
{"Measures very small amounts of protein in a 24-hour urine collection","Helps detect kidney damage early, especially in diabetics","Results are reported as mg/24 hours or mg/L","Normal result is typically less than 30 mg/24 hours","Higher levels may indicate kidney disease or other conditions"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53532-8
- Short code
- MAU24
- Synonyms
- Microalbumin 24h Ur DL<=1mg/L-mRate
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Clean, dry plastic urine container 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 years
- Method
- detection-limit-mg-l
- CPT
- 82043
- SNOMED
- 40055000
- Specimen volume
- 10-20 mL aliquot from well-mixed 24-hour collection
- 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 microalbumin test measures very small amounts of a protein called albumin in your urine. Albumin is normally found in the blood and helps with fluid balance. When your kidneys are healthy, they prevent albumin from leaking into urine. This highly sensitive test can detect even tiny amounts (as low as 1.0 mg/L) that standard tests might miss.
How is the test done?
You will collect all urine produced over a 24-hour period. On day one, urinate in the toilet when you wake up, then collect all urine in a provided container for the next 24 hours. On day two, collect the first morning urine in the container as well. Keep the container refrigerated or cool during collection. Return the complete sample to your lab as instructed.
What do the results mean?
Results are typically reported as: • Normal: Less than 30 mg of albumin in 24 hours • Moderately increased (microalbuminuria): 30-300 mg/24 hours • Severely increased (macroalbuminuria): More than 300 mg/24 hours Your healthcare provider will interpret your results based on your overall health and other test results.
Reference range
<30 mg/24 hnot specified
Complete 24-hour urine collection required; empty bladder at start time and collect all urine for exactly 24 hours; refrigerate specimen during collection; avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before and during collection
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The microalbumin test is primarily used to detect early kidney damage in people with diabetes or high blood pressure. Finding microalbuminuria early can help prevent or slow down kidney disease progression. This test is also used to monitor treatment effectiveness and assess cardiovascular risk, as elevated albumin levels are associated with increased heart disease risk.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before the test?
Why is a 24-hour collection needed instead of a single urine sample?
Can anything besides kidney disease cause elevated microalbumin?
How often should I have this test if I have diabetes?
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