urinary albumin

urinary albumin

Etymology: Gk, ouron, urine; L, albus, white

the presence of albumin, a protein, in the urine. Normally protein is not found in the urine because the spaces in the glomerular membrane of the kidney are too small to allow escape of protein molecules. If the membrane is damaged, however, as in some kidney diseases, albumin molecules can leak through into the urine. The following are normal findings: none or as high as 8 mg/dL; 50 to 80 mg/24 hours at rest; less than 250 mg/24 hours after strenuous exercise. Also called urine protein. See also proteinuria.