Albumin, 24 Hour, Urine
Use
Albumin, 24 Hour, Urine is used to evaluate diabetic patients for early onset of nephropathy by detecting small amounts of urinary albumin excretion (30–300 mg/day, microalbuminuria), enabling earlier intervention with therapies such as aggressive blood pressure and blood sugar control to delay or prevent nephropathy ([mayocliniclabs.com](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/606718?utm_source=openai)).
Special Instructions
Forms required if not ordering electronically include Kidney Transplant Test Request or Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830). Preservatives and transport handling guidance is provided via the “Urine Preservatives‑Collection and Transportation for 24‑Hour Urine Specimens” document, which details acceptable preservatives and handling conditions ([mayocliniclabs.com](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/606718?utm_source=openai)).
Limitations
Urine samples collected with nitric, hydrochloric, or acetic acid are unacceptable due to albumin precipitation. Collection during menses may result in excess albumin. Heavy exercise can increase albumin excretion and should be avoided. Any positive result in the microalbuminuria range should be confirmed with a second specimen—and if discrepancy persists, a third specimen is recommended; two of three positive results indicate incipient nephropathy ([mayocliniclabs.com](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/606718?utm_source=openai)).
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Immunoturbidity)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 1755-8
- 3167-4
- 13362-9
- 58448-2
- 1755-8
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
4 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Plastic urine tube
Collection Instructions
Collect urine for 24 hours; refrigerate specimen within 4 hours of completion of 24‑hour collection; mix well before taking 4‑mL aliquot.
Causes for Rejection
Specimens collected with nitric, hydrochloric, or acetic acid; improper preservative conditions as per guidance; all specimens evaluated for suitability.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 7 days |