Albumin, 24-hr Urine

CPT Code(s):
82043

Turnaround Time:
8 hours

Specimen Requirements

Preferred Specimen:
Urine

Minimum Volume:
5.0 mL

Transport Container:
Yellow Top Urine Tube or Plastic Urine Cup

Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature

Collection Instructions:
Collect random urine without preservatives.

Rejection Criteria:
Unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and request label; specimen in expired transport container; specimen received after prolonged delay; specimen in nonsterile or leaking container.

Stability Criteria

Room Temperature:
7 days

Refrigerated:
7 days

Frozen:
7 days

Clinical Significance

Measuring albumin levels in a 24-hour urine collection can provide valuable information about kidney function and health. Here are some clinical significances of albumin in a 24-hour urine sample:

1. **Detection of Kidney Disease**: Elevated levels of albumin in a 24-hour urine sample can be an early indicator of kidney disease, particularly conditions like diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease due to diabetes) and hypertensive nephropathy (kidney damage due to high blood pressure).

2. **Quantification of Proteinuria**: Albuminuria, which refers to the presence of excessive amounts of albumin in the urine, is a common feature of kidney disease. Measuring albumin levels in a 24-hour urine sample allows for the quantification of proteinuria, which is an essential parameter in assessing kidney health and determining the severity of kidney damage.

3. **Diagnosis and Monitoring of Diabetic Kidney Disease**: In individuals with diabetes, albuminuria is a key marker of diabetic kidney disease (nephropathy). Monitoring albumin levels in a 24-hour urine collection is crucial for diagnosing and tracking the progression of kidney damage in diabetic patients.

4. **Risk Assessment for Cardiovascular Disease**: Elevated albumin levels in urine have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, independent of other risk factors. Therefore, measuring albumin in a 24-hour urine sample can help identify individuals at higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

5. **Assessment of Treatment Response**: Changes in albumin excretion in a 24-hour urine collection can indicate the response to treatment aimed at preserving kidney function and reducing proteinuria. Interventions may include medications to control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, as well as lifestyle modifications.

6. **Prediction of Progression to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)**: Persistent elevation of albuminuria is a strong predictor of progression to ESRD, where kidney function declines to the point of requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. Monitoring albumin levels in a 24-hour urine sample helps identify individuals at higher risk of developing ESRD.

Overall, measuring albumin levels in a 24-hour urine collection plays a critical role in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of kidney disease, as well as in assessing cardiovascular risk and predicting adverse outcomes.