24 Hour Urine Microalbumin

You should get a 24-hour urine microalbumin test if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, as part of yearly kidney screening, or if a spot urine albumin test is abnormal and needs confirmation. It is also recommended for people with chronic kidney disease, heart disease, or swelling, and for monitoring kidney treatment.

To prepare for a 24-hour urine microalbumin test, discard your first morning urine and note the time. Then collect all urine for the next 24 hours, including the next morning's first sample, and keep the container refrigerated. Avoid strenuous exercise, and avoid testing during fever, urinary infection, or menstruation, as these can falsely raise albumin.

No, fasting is not required for a 24-hour urine microalbumin test. You can eat and drink normally during the collection period. However, avoid strenuous exercise, and collect every urine sample over the full 24 hours. Avoid testing during fever, infection, or menstruation for accurate results.