What is this test?
This test measures albumin, a blood protein that can leak into urine when kidney filters are affected. Small increases can be an early sign of kidney risk, especially in diabetes or high blood pressure.
Why might it be ordered?
- To screen for or monitor kidney involvement in diabetes or hypertension.
- To follow a previous raised urine-albumin result.
What sample is needed?
A spot urine sample is often used, but the laboratory may request a first-morning or timed sample. Confirm which collection is required.
How should you prepare?
Avoid unusually strenuous exercise before collection and tell your clinician about fever, urinary infection, menstruation or marked high blood sugar, which can temporarily raise albumin.
How should you understand the result?
A single raised result is often repeated because albumin excretion varies. The concentration may be interpreted with urine creatinine or as a timed total, depending on the ordered test.
Sources and editorial status
This patient-facing text is an editorial draft. It should be approved by a laboratory physician before official publication.