What is an albumin urine test?
An albumin urine test checks urine for a protein called albumin. This protein is normally found in the blood. When the kidneys are damaged, small amounts of albumin leak into the urine. This is called albuminuria. If the amount of albumin is very small, but still abnormal, it is called moderately increased albuminuria. You may also hear this called microalbuminuria.
You might provide a urine sample for your doctor during a visit. Your doctor might also ask you for a one-time sample at home or over a specific period of time, such as over 4 hours or 24 hours. Your doctor will tell you what to do.
Why is an albumin urine test done?
This test is done to check for albumin in the urine. It helps tell your doctor how well your kidneys are working. This test is done most often to check the kidneys in people with diabetes. Other conditions also cause albuminuria. These conditions include high blood pressure, heart failure, and cirrhosis.
The sooner your doctor knows you have kidney damage, the more your doctor can do to protect your kidneys.
How to do a clean-catch midstream urine collection for albumin
- Open the wipes. Remove the lid from the container, and set it down with the inner surface up.
- Wash your hands before you collect the urine.
- Clean your genitals with the provided wipes.
If you have a vulva, hold the folds of skin or lips (labia) apart. Wipe the area from front to back. If you have a penis, use the wipes to clean the tip. If you have a foreskin, pull it back.
- Start to urinate into the toilet or urinal for a few seconds. Keep holding your skin away from the urine stream.
- After the urine has flowed for several seconds, place the collection container in the stream. Collect about 2 ounces (a quarter cup).
- Don't touch the container to your genitals.
- Finish urinating into the toilet or urinal.
- Carefully replace the lid on the container.
- Wash your hands.
How do you prepare for an albumin urine test?
- In general, you don't need to prepare before having this test. Your doctor may give you some specific instructions.
- For 24-hour urine collection, your doctor or lab will usually give you a large container that holds about 1 gallon.
What do the results of an albumin urine test mean?
Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.
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. Even though diabetes is the most common reason for high results, there are many other kidney problems that can cause high results.
If you are pregnant and have diabetes, you may have your urine checked to watch for high amounts of albumin.
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