ALBUMIN - urine

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Specimen: Random; timed (usually over the 2 hours immediately after rising in the morning); 24 hour urine.

Method: Immunoassay.

Reference Interval:

<15 mg/L (random)

<10 µg/min (timed)

<15 mg/24 hours

Application: Early detection of diabetic nephropathy; investigation and monitoring of renal disease.

Interpretation: Increased excretion of albumin (³30 mg/24 hours) of insufficient degree to be detected by dipstick, is an early sign of diabetic nephropathy. The term “microalbuminuria”, which has been used to describe albuminuria of 30-300 mg/24 hours, is somewhat misleading, as the albumin is of normal molecular mass. Urine albumin is elevated in the nephrotic syndrome, in other conditions with increased glomerular permeability (eg glomerulonephritis) and in urinary tract inflammation. It can be used instead of urinary protein to detect or monitor these conditions. See also URINALYSIS .

Reference: Watts NB. Clin Chem 1991; 37: 2027-2028.

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