Albumin Urine Test: About This Test

What is it?

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 this 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 do you prepare for the 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.

How to do the test

1. Open the wipes. Remove the lid from the container, and set it down with the inner surface up.
2. Wash your hands before you collect the urine.
3. 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.

4. Start to urinate into the toilet or urinal for a few seconds. Keep holding your skin away from the urine stream.
5. After the urine has flowed for several seconds, place the collection container in the stream. Collect about 2 ounces (a quarter cup).
6. Don't touch the container to your genitals.
7. Finish urinating into the toilet or urinal.
8. Carefully replace the lid on the container.
9. Wash your hands.

How to do the test

You collect your urine for a period of time, such as over 4 or 24 hours. Your doctor will give you a large container that holds about 1 gallon. A small amount of preservative may be in the container. You will use the container to collect your urine.

• When you first get up, you empty your bladder.

  But don't save this urine. Write down the time you began.

• For the set period of time, collect all your urine.

  Each time you urinate during this time period, collect your urine in a small, clean container. Then pour the urine into the large container. Don't touch the inside of either container with your fingers.

• Don't get toilet paper, pubic hair, stool (feces), menstrual blood, or anything else in the urine sample.
• Keep the collected urine in the refrigerator for the collection time.
• Empty your bladder for the last time at or just before the end of the collection period.

  Add this urine to the large container. Then write down the time.

What happens after the test?

• Follow your doctor's instructions for taking the urine to the doctor's office or lab.
• You can go back to your usual activities right away.