A clear patient guide to this medical test, covering what it checks, why your care team may order it, how it is performed, and how to review your results with a clinician.
A urine test that detects small amounts of protein (albumin) in the urine, used to detect early kidney damage.
{"Measures tiny amounts of protein (albumin) in urine","Early indicator of kidney damage, especially from diabetes","Helps predict cardiovascular disease risk","Simple urine test, no fasting required","Results reported as ratio to urine creatinine or as concentration"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14957-5
- Short code
- mALB
- Synonyms
- Microalbumin Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container (clean-catch or midstream)
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 30
- Critical range
- 1.5 not specified – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- detection-limit-mg-l
- CPT
- 82043
- SNOMED
- 271583006
- Specimen volume
- 10-20 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24-48 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): several months
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this medical test, what does it measure or look for in your body, and how is it used alongside your history and exam to help guide care decisions?
The urine microalbumin test detects very small amounts of albumin (a protein) in your urine. Normally, healthy kidneys filter waste but keep important proteins like albumin in the blood. When kidneys are damaged, even slightly, they may leak small amounts of albumin into urine. This test is sensitive enough to detect these tiny amounts—much earlier than standard urine protein tests.
Why is this test important for your health, how can it help confirm a suspected condition, screen for disease, monitor treatment, or track changes over time?
Microalbuminuria (the presence of small amounts of albumin in urine) is an early sign of kidney disease, most commonly caused by diabetes or high blood pressure. Detecting it early allows doctors to start treatments that can slow or prevent further kidney damage. Research also shows that microalbuminuria is linked to increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
How is this test done during your visit, what should you expect before and after it, and what information may your care team need to make it safe and accurate?
A urine sample is collected, usually as a random sample or sometimes as a 24-hour collection. The sample is analyzed in a laboratory to measure albumin concentration. Results are often expressed as micrograms of albumin per milligram of creatinine (ACR) to account for urine concentration variations. You may be asked to avoid vigorous exercise before the test, as exercise can temporarily increase albumin levels.
Understanding your results is part of a shared review, because normal and abnormal values can depend on factors such as age, symptoms, medications, and other tests.
Results are typically reported as: Normal (less than 30 mg/g), Microalbuminuria (30-300 mg/g), or Macroalbuminuria (more than 300 mg/g). Your doctor will interpret results based on your overall health, diabetes status, and other factors. Multiple tests over several months are usually needed to confirm persistent microalbuminuria.
Reference range
0-30 mg/Lnot specified
No fasting required. Prefer first-morning midstream urine. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The primary clinical use is early detection of diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease caused by diabetes). It is also used to monitor kidney function in people with hypertension, autoimmune diseases, and other conditions that affect kidneys. Persistent microalbuminuria is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Treatment with ACE inhibitors or ARBs can reduce albumin excretion and protect kidney and heart health.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before the test?
How often should I have this test?
What does a positive result mean?
Is the test painful?
Can medications affect the results?
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