Test Background Also known (incorrectly) as microalbumin. Microalbuminuria (trace amounts of albumin in the urine) is an early indicator of diabetic nephropathy and is usually measured as the albumin:creatinine ratio.
Clinical Indications Diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy in diabetics and high-risk populations, eg. those with essential hypertension.
Gross proteinuria should be assessed using urine protein.
Reference Range
Random: <3 mg/mmol creatinine
24 hour: <30 mg/24 h
Sample Required Random urine in universal container (preferred) or 24 hour urine collection (plain)
Sample Volume Random urine: 0.5 mL or 24 hour urine collection
Turnaround Time
Random urine: 1 day
24 hour urine collection: 2 days