Microalbuminuria Test (24-Hour Urine Collection)
A test that measures tiny amounts of protein (albumin) in your urine collected over a 24-hour period to detect early kidney damage, often before symptoms develop.
{"Measures small amounts of protein (albumin) leaked from damaged kidneys","Helps detect early kidney damage, especially in people with diabetes or high blood pressure","Requires collecting ALL urine in a special container for 24 hours","Results are reported as milligrams per 24 hours (mg/24hr)","Normal result is less than 30 mg/24hr; higher amounts indicate kidney problems"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 30003-8
- Short code
- MAU24
- Synonyms
- Microalbumin 24h Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine container with appropriate preservative (typically boric acid or sodium azide)
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 30
- Critical range
- 1.5 not specified – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- detection-limit-mg-l
- CPT
- 82043
- SNOMED
- 275145006
- Specimen volume
- Complete 24-hour urine collection (entire volume)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; 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 microalbuminuria test measures the amount of a protein called albumin in your urine collected over a 24-hour period. Normally, healthy kidneys filter waste from your blood while keeping important proteins like albumin in your body. When kidneys are damaged, even slightly, small amounts of albumin leak into the urine. This test is very sensitive and can detect these tiny amounts of protein (called microalbuminuria) before more serious kidney problems develop.
How to collect your 24-hour urine sample
Your healthcare provider will give you a special collection container. On the morning of your test, start by urinating into the toilet and noting the exact time. For the next 24 hours, collect ALL your 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 container to your lab as instructed. Tell your provider about any medications you are taking, as some medicines can affect test results.
Why is this test important?
This test is crucial for detecting early kidney damage, particularly in people with diabetes or high blood pressure. Early detection of microalbuminuria allows for early treatment that can slow or prevent progression to more serious kidney disease. The test is also used to monitor kidney function over time and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments aimed at protecting the kidneys.
Reference range
<30 mg/24 hnot specified
Complete 24-hour urine collection (discard first void, collect all subsequent for 24 h, refrigerate). Avoid vigorous exercise 24 h before/during collection. No fasting required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Microalbuminuria (30-300 mg/24hr) is an early sign of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage caused by diabetes) and indicates increased cardiovascular risk. Persistent microalbuminuria often progresses to overt proteinuria (greater than 300 mg/24hr), which can lead to kidney failure if untreated. This test is also important for detecting kidney damage from hypertension, glomerular diseases, and other conditions. Treatment with ACE inhibitors or ARBs (blood pressure medications) can reduce albumin leakage and 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 a single abnormal result confirm kidney disease?
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