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Albumin, Random Urine with Creatinine; Albumin, 24-Hour Urine with Creatinine; Albumin, Random Urine without Creatinine; Albumin, 24-Hour Urine without Creatinine

Test codes: 6517, 15281, 17674, 4555

This immunoturbidimetric test detects albumin in the urine and assesses the presence of kidney damage.

Results from this test may inform on the prognosis and management of chronic kidney disease, especially at early stages.1  

This test has been the gold standard for measuring urinary albumin excretion since 1987. It is also known as the immunoturbidimetric assay and has completely replaced the old urinary dipstick method.2

Random urine and 24-hour urine specimens can be tested. The 24-hour urine collection should start after the first-morning void and include all subsequent voids up to the first void of the next morning. Refrigerate the urine during and after collection. 

Yes. The patient should avoid exercise for 24 hours before specimen collection because it may elevate urinary albumin excretion.

Urinary tract infections, menstrual bleeding, fever, congestive heart failure, marked hyperglycemia, and marked hypertension may elevate urinary albumin excretion.1 

The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines state that an increased albumin level (≥30 µg/mg or ≥30 mg/24 creatinine) for more than 3 months is diagnostic of chronic kidney disease.1

Table showing interpretation of albumin values

References

  1. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD Work Group. KDIGO 2012 clinical practice guideline for the evaluation and management of chronic kidney disease. Kidney Inter Suppl. 2013;3:1–150. http://www.jhu.pure.elsevier.com/en/publications/kidney-disease-improving-global-outcomes-kdigo-ckd-work-group-kdi-4. Accessed December 13, 2022
  2. Paloheimo L, Pajari-Backas M, Pitkänen E, et al. Evaluation of an immunoturbidimetric microalbuminuria assay. J Clin Chem Clin Biochem. 1987;25:889-892. doi:10.1515/cclm.1987.25.12.889

 

This FAQ is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Test selection and interpretation, diagnosis, and patient management decisions should be based on the clinician’s education, clinical expertise, and assessment of the patient.

 

Document FAQS.115 Version: 1

Version 1: Effective 12/15/2022 to present

Version 0: Effective 12/06/2013 to 12/15/2022

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