The microalbuminuria test is a urine test used to detect protein, which is not normally found in urine. The presence of small amounts of protein in the urine is often an early sign of kidney disease, a common and serious complication of diabetes. It is important to detect kidney disease early because treatment may prevent or slow the progression of the disease. The test can also indicate risk of cardiovascular disease.

A microalbuminuria test requires little or no preparation. It involves only normal urination.

The test may require one of the following urine samples:

• A collection of all urine voided in a 24–hour period
• An overnight sample
• A collection of all urine voided in a specific period (e.g., four hours)
• A single sample

The concentration of protein in the sample may be measured alone, or in combination with measurement of a waste product called creatinine.

Microalbuminuria testing has traditionally been performed in physician offices and laboratories. However, home urine tests are also available.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that people with type 2 diabetes be tested for microalbuminuria at the time of their diagnosis and then once a year. People with type 1 diabetes should be tested five years after being diagnosed and then annually. In some cases, a patient may need to be tested more often.

It is important to note that a routine urine test will not detect microalbuminuria. People with diabetes or other risk factors for kidney disease should make sure they get a microalbuminuria test.