Procedure: Preparation: Patients are usually instructed to discard their first morning urine void and then collect all urine passed over the next 24 hours. Collection: The patient collects all urine in a special container provided by the healthcare provider, ensuring that none is wasted or lost. Storage: The collected urine is stored in a cool environment (often refrigerated) to prevent bacterial growth or degradation of the sample. Return: Once the 24-hour collection period is complete, the patient returns the sample to the laboratory or healthcare provider for analysis.

Risk Assessment

1. Indications for the Test:

   • Diabetes (to check for diabetic nephropathy)
   • Hypertension
   • Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
   • Cardiovascular diseases
   • Family history of kidney disease

2. Risk Factors for Abnormal Results:

   • Poorly controlled diabetes or hypertension
   • Obesity
   • Smoking
   • High salt or protein intake
   • Use of nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., NSAIDs).

Normal range: Less than 30 milligrams (mg) of albumin per 24 hours.

Microalbuminuria: 30 to 300 mg of albumin per 24 hours. This is a sign of early kidney damage and may indicate the onset of kidney disease. Macroalbuminuria: More than 300 mg of albumin per 24 hours. This indicates more severe kidney damage and is often seen in advanced kidney disease.

Sample Type

• Urine Sample: All urine excreted over a 24-hour period, collected in a specialized container provided by the laboratory.