The microalbuminuria test looks for small quantities of a protein called albumin in a urine sample.

See also: Urine albumin

This test is most often done to detect kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy) in a person who has had diabetes for several years.

Abnormal levels of the protein albumin in the urine signal the beginning of a condition called microalbuminuria, and are typical in disorders such as diabetic nephropathy. The test may show whether you are at risk for developing kidney disease with symptoms.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes receive a microalbuminuria urine test every year (after 5 years of having the disease in people with type 1 diabetes, and at the time of diagnosis in people with type 2 diabetes). Patients should also have their blood creatinine tested at least once a year.

A small sample of urine needs to be collected.

Because the amount of water in urine can vary, it can affect the concentration of albumin. For this reason, the amount of creatinine is also measured. The result is reported as the ratio of albumin to creatinine.

If an abnormally high level of albumin is found, some health care providers will repeat the test on a 24-hour urine sample.

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

The test involves only normal urination. There is no discomfort.