Microalbumin test

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What you can expect

By Mayo Clinic staff

During the microalbumin test, you simply need to provide a fresh urine sample. This may be done in several ways:

  • 24-hour urine test. Your doctor may ask you to collect all of your urine in a special container over a 24-hour period and submit it for analysis. The 24-hour urine test provides the most accurate microalbumin results.
  • Timed urine test. Your doctor may ask you to provide a urine sample first thing in the morning or after a four-hour period of not urinating.
  • Random urine test. A urine sample provided at a random time is usually adequate if both microalbumin and creatinine — another waste product usually filtered by the kidneys — are measured.

The urine sample is sent to a lab for analysis. After you provide the urine sample, you can return to your usual activities immediately.

MY00143

July 31, 2008

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