Microalbumin Urine Test

Urine Test for Microalbuminuria

Results

A microalbumin test checks urine for the presence of a protein called albumin. Microalbuminuria is most often caused by kidney damage from diabetes. Normal results may vary depending on:

• The laboratory.
• The type (random versus timed) of urine sample collected.
• The time of day of the sample.
• Whether you are male or female.
• Whether you are on bed rest or able to move about normally.

Albumin in urine

Normal:	Less than 30 milligrams (mg) of albumin in 24 hours Less than 20 milligrams per liter (mg/L) for 10-hour (overnight) collection

 

Higher-than-normal values

You may need more than one test to find out how well your kidneys are working.

• If your results are higher than normal, your doctor may check your urine more often to watch for kidney damage.
• If you have 2 or 3 high results in a 3- to 6-month period and you have diabetes, your doctor may find kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy). Even though diabetes is the most common reason for high results, there are many other kidney problems that can cause high results.

Pregnant women with diabetes may have their urine checked to watch for high amounts of albumin.

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Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: January 29, 2009
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Tushar J. Vachharajani, MD, FASN, FACP - Nephrology
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