Microalbumin Urine Test: Results

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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.

Abnormal values

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

• When your kidneys do not work well and leak between 165 and 300 mg of albumin in 24 hours, your doctor may check your urine more often to watch for kidney damage.
• If your kidneys leak 300 mg or more of albumin in 24 hours (macroalbuminuria), you may have chronic kidney disease.
• 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.

Last updated:	March 01, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer