Albumin Urine Test

Test Overview

An albumin test checks urine for a protein called albumin, Opens dialog. Albumin is normally found in the blood and filtered by the kidneys. When the kidneys, Opens dialog are working as they should, there may be a very small amount of albumin in the urine. But when the kidneys are damaged, abnormal 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.

Albuminuria is most often caused by kidney damage from diabetes, Opens dialog. But many other conditions can lead to kidney damage. These include high blood pressure, Opens dialog, heart failure, Opens dialog, cirrhosis, Opens dialog, and lupus, Opens dialog.

If early kidney damage is not treated, larger amounts of albumin may leak into the urine. When the kidneys spill albumin, it can mean serious kidney damage is present. This can lead to chronic kidney disease, Opens dialog.

An albumin urine test can be done on a sample of urine that is collected:

  • At a random time. This is usually after the first time you urinate in the morning.
  • Over a 24-hour period.
  • Over a specific period of time, such as 4 hours or overnight.
Information about Albumin Urine Test

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.