Urine: random or 24 hour. No preservative. If an overnight urine is requested, a collection between 2000 hours - 0800 hours should be organised. Do not collect 24 hour or random urines for an overnight microalbumin request. Ensure collection dates and times are written on specimens.
GENERAL NOTES
APPLICATION: Early detection of diabetic nephropathy; investigation and monitoring of renal disease.
INTERPRETATION: Increased excretion of albumin 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.
