Persistent microalbuminuria indicates early development of nephropathy, cardiovascular disease and death in patients with diabetes mellitus. In this study morning urines from 189 diabetic patients were investigated with conventional dip sticks, microbumintest and quantitative measurements obtained by immunturbidimetry. Microbumintest has both a higher specificity and sensitivity compared to urinary dip sticks. The immune chemical method is less expensive and alternations in albumin excretion rate can be followed. Quantitative measurement with an immunchemical method is therefore recommended as screening method for microalbuminuria.