Health Library

Does this test have other names?

24-hour albumin test, proteinuria test

What is this test?

This test measures the amount of protein in your urine.

Healthy kidneys usually filter protein out of the blood and absorb the protein. Then
they send it back into the blood while waste material is passed out of your body as
urine. But when your kidneys aren’t working the way they should, protein may pass
into your urine. Protein in your urine is a condition called proteinuria, albuminuria,
or microalbuminuria.

Many different chronic diseases, including kidney disease and diabetes, can cause
protein in your urine. During pregnancy, protein in your urine can mean a very dangerous
condition called preeclampsia, or extremely high blood pressure.

This test may be ordered after a dipstick urine protein test. That test needs only
one urine sample that’s collected at your healthcare provider’s office.

Why do I need this test?

If you are pregnant, you may have this test as a part of routine prenatal care to
screen for preeclampsia.

You may also have this test if your healthcare provider suspects that you have protein
in your urine. Proteinuria may not cause symptoms in the early stage. But as kidney
function worsens, you may notice these symptoms:

• Swollen face

• Swelling in your hands or feet

• Foamy urine

• Higher level of blood creatinine

You may also need this test if you:

• Are diabetic

• Have high blood pressure

• Have a family member who has chronic kidney disease

• Are at risk for kidney disease

What other tests might I have along with this test?

Your healthcare provider may also order a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio test,
which measures the ratio of protein to waste in your urine. Your provider may also
order an ultrasound of your kidneys. He or she may also order blood tests, such as
antinuclear antibody or complement, to check for conditions that cause kidney problems.

What do my test results mean?

Many things may affect your lab test results. These include the method each lab uses
to do the test. Even if your test results are different from the normal value, you
may not have a problem. To learn what the results mean for you, talk with your healthcare
provider.

Results are given in milligrams (mg). Normal urine protein in adults is less than
150 mg within a 24-hour period.

How is this test done?

This test requires a 24-hour urine sample. For this type of urine sample, you must
collect all the urine you make in 24 hours. Empty your bladder completely first thing
in the morning without collecting it and note the time. Then collect your urine every
time you go to the bathroom for the next 24 hours in a special container or containers.
The containers must be kept cool until you return them to your provider.

Does this test pose any risks?

This test poses no known risks.

What might affect my test results?

Many different medicines may affect your test results. These include:

• Antibiotics

• Vitamin C supplements

• Certain medicines used to treat Parkinson disease

Having a fever or exercising strenuously just before the test may also affect your
result. Collecting too much urine or not enough urine may affect your result.

How do I get ready for this test?

You may need to skip exercising for a certain time before the test. Let your healthcare
provider know if you have a fever or have been ill recently.

Your provider will tell you if you should not take certain medicines on the day of
the test. In addition, be sure your provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins,
and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don’t need a prescription
and any illicit drugs you may use.