Albumin (24 hour urine)

Albuminuria is an early marker of glomerular disease, including diabetic glomerulosclerosis, where it usually precedes a reduction in glomerular filtration rate. It is also a marker of hypertensive glomerulosclerosis, but in this case albuminuria develops after a decrease in glomerular filtration rate.

Determination of urinary albumin is recommended to assess glomerular protein loss in adults. The test allows for early detection and monitoring of kidney disease. Determination of urinary albumin is a more sensitive and specific means of detecting changes in glomerular permeability compared to determination of total urinary protein.

Albuminuria is often associated with hypertension, obesity, and vascular disease, conditions in which underlying renal disease may not be apparent.

It is important to note that albumin excretion is characterized by significant biological variability and may be increased due to various physiological and pathological factors. Therefore, it is recommended to confirm the increased values ​​of albumin excretion by 24-hour urine test.

How to prepare for the test?

It is recommended to refrain from physical activity for at least 12 hours before the test.

Study material / urine collection rule

24-hour urine. At 7 o'clock in the morning the patient urinates and does not store this urine, and during the next urination he collects the whole volume of urine in a plastic container (2-3 liter urine container) until 7 o'clock in the morning of the next day (24 hours); The patient should transfer 100 ml of urine from this container (e.g. with a syringe) to a disposable plastic cup for urine and should be stored at 2-8 ° C before the test (1-1,5 h).