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The microalbumin test is a simple urine test. You can eat and drink normally before the test.

During the microalbumin test, you simply need to provide a fresh urine sample. This may be done in several ways:

• 24-hour urine test. Your doctor may ask you to collect all of your urine in a special container over a 24-hour period and submit it for analysis.
• Timed urine test. Your doctor may ask you to provide a urine sample first thing in the morning or after a four-hour period of not urinating.
• Random urine test. A random urine test can be taken at any time. But to improve accuracy of the results, it's often combined with a urine test for creatinine — a waste product usually filtered by the kidneys.

The urine sample is sent to a lab for analysis. After you provide the urine sample, you can return to your usual activities immediately.

Results of the microalbumin test are measured as milligrams (mg) of protein leakage over 24 hours. Generally:

• Less than 30 mg is normal
• Thirty to 300 mg indicates early kidney disease (microalbuminuria)
• More than 300 mg indicates more advanced kidney disease (macroalbuminuria)

Discuss your test result with your doctor and what it means for your health. If your urinary microalbumin level is higher than normal, your doctor may recommend repeating the test.

Several factors can cause higher than expected urinary microalbumin results, such as:

• Blood in your urine (hematuria)
• Certain medications
• Fever
• Recent vigorous exercise
• Urinary tract infection
• Other kidney diseases