Table 3.

Key recommendations for urine albumin sample collection and handling derived from NKDEP/IFCC and or PAWG.

The term ‘urine albumin’ should be used rather than ‘micro-albumin’. Patients should be well at baseline. They should have no urinary tract infection, no acute febrile illness, no intense exercise within the previous 24 hours and not be menstruating. Recommended urine collection is a fresh, first morning void. A minimum of 5 mL should be collected. If a first morning void is not practicable, random spot samples are acceptable. Urine creatinine must also be measured. Samples not able to be delivered to the laboratory within 8 hours, should be refrigerated. Analysis should be performed on the day of receipt but samples can be stored for up to 7 days at 2–8 °C if necessary. Cloudy or particulate samples should be centrifuged prior to analysis. Positive ACR results must be confirmed, ideally on a fresh, first morning void, by repeat measurement on 1–2 occasions within 3 months. Prolonged storage should be at −70 °C; samples should not be stored at −20 °C.