24-Hour Urine Microalbumin Test
A test that measures very small amounts of the protein albumin in your urine collected over a full 24-hour period, helping your doctor detect early signs of kidney damage before more serious problems develop.
{"Microalbuminuria test detects small amounts of protein in urine before major kidney damage occurs","It is especially important for patients with diabetes or high blood pressure","Normal results show less than 30 mg of albumin in 24-hour urine collection","Early detection allows for timely treatment to prevent kidney disease progression","The test requires collecting all urine produced over a 24-hour period"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 90000-1
- Short code
- MALB24
- Synonyms
- Microalbumin 24h Ur DL<=3.0 mg/L-mRate
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container with preservative (toluene or boric acid)
- 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
- 18–100 years
- Method
- detection-limit-mg-l
- CPT
- 82043
- SNOMED
- 271295004
- Specimen volume
- Complete 24-hour collection, typically 1000-2000 mL
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): up to 3 months
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The 24-hour urine microalbumin test measures very small amounts of a protein called albumin in your urine. Albumin is normally found in the blood and should not be present in significant amounts in urine. When the kidneys are healthy, they filter waste while keeping important proteins like albumin in the bloodstream. When kidney damage occurs, even at an early stage, small amounts of albumin leak into the urine—this is called microalbuminuria.
Why is this test important?
This test is crucial for detecting early kidney damage, particularly in people with diabetes or high blood pressure. These conditions can gradually harm the kidneys, and microalbuminuria is often the first warning sign. By catching this early, doctors can recommend treatments to slow or prevent further kidney damage, such as better blood sugar control, blood pressure medications, or lifestyle changes.
How to collect the sample
For a 24-hour urine collection, you will receive a special container from your healthcare provider. On the morning of collection, start by urinating into the toilet and noting the time. For the next 24 hours, collect all urine in the container. This includes the first morning urine the next day at the same time you started. Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place during collection. Return the complete collection to your lab as instructed.
Understanding your results
Results are typically reported in milligrams (mg) of albumin per 24 hours. Normal results are usually less than 30 mg/24 hours. Microalbuminuria is generally defined as 30-300 mg/24 hours. Results above 300 mg/24 hours indicate macroalbuminuria (overt proteinuria), suggesting more significant kidney damage. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your overall health, underlying conditions, and other test results.
Reference range
<30 mg/24 hnot specified
Complete 24-hour urine collection required. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to and during collection. No fasting needed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Microalbuminuria is an early marker of diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease caused by diabetes) and can appear 5-10 years before significant kidney damage becomes apparent. It is also associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The presence of microalbuminuria in hypertensive patients indicates target organ damage and may require adjustment of antihypertensive therapy. Regular monitoring is essential for at-risk patients to implement protective strategies and monitor treatment effectiveness.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Can I exercise before or during the collection?
What if I miss a urine sample during collection?
How often should I have this test?
Will abnormal results mean I have kidney disease?
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