24-Hour Urine Microalbumin and Creatinine Panel
Measures urinary albumin and creatinine from a 24-hour urine collection to assess kidney filtration and detect early signs of kidney damage.
["This test can identify small amounts of albumin leaking into the urine, an early sign of kidney disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58447-4
- Short code
- Microalbumin/creat Pnl 24H Ur
- Synonyms
- Microalbumin/creat Pnl 24H Ur
- Category
- kidney
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 3.5
- Ref high
- 5
- Critical range
- 1.5 N/A – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82040
- SNOMED
- 22383007
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures the amount of albumin, a protein normally retained by the kidneys, and creatinine, a waste product, in urine collected for 24 hours. The results help assess kidney function and whether small amounts of protein are escaping into the urine.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered to screen for or monitor kidney disease, particularly in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions that can affect the kidneys. It can also help evaluate changes in kidney function over time.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine for exactly 24 hours, usually in a special container provided by the laboratory. The laboratory then measures albumin and creatinine and may calculate the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and total excretion over the collection period.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions and record the start and finish times. Avoid vigorous exercise shortly before and during the collection, do not change your usual fluid intake, and tell the laboratory if you recently had an illness, infection, or fever.
Reference range
Adult: 3.5-5.0 g/dLN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An increased amount of urine albumin or an elevated albumin-to-creatinine ratio may indicate that the kidneys are allowing excess protein to leak into the urine, which can be an early sign of kidney disease. Persistently abnormal results are usually interpreted along with blood creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure, and other clinical findings. Abnormal results do not identify the specific cause by themselves and may need repeat testing.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Microalbumin/Creatinine
Frequently asked questions
What is urine microalbumin?
Why is creatinine measured at the same time?
How do I collect a 24-hour urine sample?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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