Slightly elevated urinary albumin concentration - microalbuminuria - is a warning sign identifying individuals who require immediate therapy and regular monitoring.

Microalbuminuria is an early sign of kidney damage in diabetic patients. It is recommended that diabetics be screened for microalbuminuria a few times a year. Early intervention can halt and reverse the progression of kidney damage.
Hypertensive individuals are often at risk of cardiovascular events and renal insufficiency and they will therefore also benefit from regular monitoring of urinary albumin concentration.