Continued
How It Feels
This test does not cause any pain.
Risks
Collecting a urine sample does not cause problems.
Results
An albumin test checks urine for the presence of a protein called albumin. This is called albuminuria. It is most often caused by kidney damage from diabetes. But many other conditions can lead to kidney damage.
These numbers are just a guide. The range for "normal" varies from lab to lab. Your lab may have a different range. Your lab report should show what range your lab uses for "normal." Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. So a number that is outside the normal range here may still be normal for you.
| One-time collection (spot urine collection): |
Less than 2 milligrams per liter (mg/L)1 |
|---|---|
| 24-hour collection: |
Adults at rest: Less than 80 milligrams (mg) in 24 hours or 0.002-0.08 grams (g) per day2 Adults moving around: Less than 150 mg in 24 hours or less than 0.15 g per day2 |
| 10-hour (overnight) collection: |
Less than 20 milligrams per liter (mg/L) for 10-hour (overnight) collection3 |
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.
What Affects the Test
You may not be able to have the test, or the results may not be helpful, if:
- You have a urinary tract infection, high blood pressure, heart failure, or a high fever during an infection.
- You exercise just before the test.
- You take medicines such as aspirin, corticosteroids, or some antibiotics, such as amoxicillin.
- You have menstrual bleeding or vaginal discharge. These may temporarily affect the urine sample.