24-Hour Urine Microalbumin Test
This test measures small amounts of a protein called albumin, known as microalbumin, in your urine collected over a full 24-hour period to detect early kidney damage before symptoms develop.
{"Microalbuminuria is an early sign of kidney damage, often before symptoms appear","This test is especially important for patients with diabetes or high blood pressure","Early detection allows for timely treatment that can slow or prevent kidney disease progression","The test requires collecting all urine in a special container for 24 hours","Results are reported as the amount of protein excreted per day (mg/24 hours)"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14956-7
- Short code
- Microalbumin 24h Urine
- Synonyms
- Microalbumin 24h Ur-mRate
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container with preservative (optional)
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 30
- Critical range
- 1.5 not specified – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 2 years
- Method
- detection-limit-mg-l
- CPT
- 82043
- SNOMED
- 271588001
- Specimen volume
- Complete 24-hour collection (typically 1000-2000 mL)
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or lower): 30 days
- 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. Normally, healthy kidneys keep albumin in your blood and do not allow it to leak into urine. When kidneys are damaged, even slightly, small amounts of albumin begin to appear in urine—this is called microalbuminuria. Detecting this early is important because it can be a warning sign of kidney disease before more serious problems develop.
How is the test performed?
You will receive a special collection container from your healthcare provider. On the day of collection, start by urinating into the toilet when you wake up (this first morning urine is not collected). For the next 24 hours, every time you urinate, collect all urine in the provided container. Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place. At the end of 24 hours, urinate one final time and add this to the container. Return the complete collection to your lab as instructed. It is important to collect all urine during the 24-hour period for accurate results.
What do the results mean?
Results are typically reported in milligrams per 24 hours (mg/24h). Generally: less than 30 mg/24h is considered normal, 30-300 mg/24h indicates microalbuminuria (early kidney damage), and more than 300 mg/24h suggests more significant kidney damage (macroalbuminuria). Your healthcare provider will interpret your results based on your individual health situation, as normal ranges may vary slightly between laboratories.
Why is this test important?
This test is crucial for detecting kidney damage at an early stage, particularly in people with diabetes or high blood pressure—both leading causes of kidney disease. Early detection of microalbuminuria allows doctors to start treatments (such as blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors or better diabetes control) that can slow or even reverse kidney damage. Many patients with microalbuminuria have no symptoms, making this test especially valuable.
Are there any risks or preparations needed?
There are no significant risks associated with this test—it simply requires urine collection. Your healthcare provider may advise you to avoid certain medications, strenuous exercise, or high-protein diets before or during collection, as these can affect results. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking. Pregnant women should follow their healthcare provider's specific instructions for urine collection.
Reference range
0-30 mg/24 hnot specified
24-hour urine collection required; avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before and during collection; no fasting needed
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The 24-hour urine microalbumin test is primarily used for early detection of diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease caused by diabetes) and hypertensive nephropathy (kidney disease caused by high blood pressure). It is recommended that patients with type 1 diabetes undergo this test starting 5 years after diagnosis, and patients with type 2 diabetes starting at diagnosis. Annual testing is typically recommended for ongoing monitoring. The presence of microalbuminuria not only indicates kidney damage but also significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, making this test an important marker for overall cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before the 24-hour urine collection?
What happens if I miss a urine collection during the 24-hour period?
Can I collect urine at home and bring it to the lab later?
What if my results show microalbuminuria?
How often do I need this test?
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