Urine Albumin · high result
What does a high Urine Albumin mean?
Short answer
Albumin in the urine (albuminuria) means the kidney's filters are leaking protein — the earliest sign of kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure, years before creatinine changes. It is reported against creatinine as a ratio; above 30 mg/g is moderately increased, above 300 severely. Temporary rises follow hard exercise, fever, infection, dehydration, menstruation and poorly controlled blood sugar, so a positive is confirmed on two of three samples over three months.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
When does this result need same-day care?
- Ratio above ~300 mg/g with swelling, high blood pressure or a falling eGFR — prompt nephrology evaluation
What is the normal range for Urine Albumin?
- age 18+: 0.000 – 30.0 mg/g
Above 30 mg/g creatinine suggests early kidney damage and warrants follow-up.
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Urine Albumin biomarker page.
What are the common causes of high Urine Albumin?
- Diabetic kidney disease, hypertensive kidney damage
- Glomerular diseases, lupus nephritis
- Heart failure, obesity, sleep apnea (modest)
- Temporary: strenuous exercise within 24 hours, fever, urinary infection, dehydration, menstruation, upright posture (orthostatic)
- NSAIDs, uncontrolled hyperglycemia
What symptoms go with high Urine Albumin?
- Usually none
- Foamy urine, ankle swelling as protein loss increases
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Repeat on a first-morning sample twice over 3 months; avoid testing after exercise or during illness
- eGFR, A1c, blood pressure, urinalysis for infection or blood
- ACE inhibitor/ARB and SGLT2 inhibitor decisions are made on a confirmed result — a clinician's call
How do you recheck Urine Albumin?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microalbumin (Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio) | Test · 3 biomarkers | $24.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
Common questions
What is a normal urine albumin?
Under 30 mg per gram of creatinine. 30–300 is moderately increased (formerly 'microalbuminuria'); over 300 is severely increased. The ratio corrects for how dilute the urine is.
Can exercise cause albumin in urine?
Yes — a hard workout the day before can push it over 30 temporarily. Test on a rested morning; a result that is normal on repeat was exercise, not kidney damage.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.