24-Hour Urinary Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR) or Albumin Excretion Rate (AER)
This test measures how much protein, specifically albumin, appears in your urine over a full day. It helps assess kidney function and detect early signs of kidney damage.
["This test helps monitor kidney health and kidney disease risk by tracking protein loss in urine."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2200-4
- Short code
- D-ALA 24h Ur-mRate
- Synonyms
- D-ALA 24h Ur-mRate
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like swelling, frequent urination, or unexplained fatigue. It’s also used to check for kidney problems in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease. Some people with chronic conditions like heart failure or lupus may also need it.
How the Test Works
You’ll collect all your urine over a 24-hour period, typically starting and ending at the same time each day. The sample is then analyzed in a lab to measure albumin levels relative to creatinine (a waste product from muscles). This ratio helps identify kidney issues early.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain medications or foods that could affect results. Drink plenty of water unless instructed otherwise. Wear comfortable clothes for easy urine collection.
What the Results Mean
Higher than normal albumin levels in urine can indicate kidney damage or disease. Your doctor will compare your results to your health history and other tests to determine if treatment is needed. Results alone don’t diagnose kidney disease—your doctor will interpret them with your full medical picture.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated urinary albumin is a key marker for **microalbuminuria**, a stage of kidney disease often seen in diabetes and hypertension. Early detection allows for timely interventions like blood pressure control, diabetes management, or medications to slow progression. This test is non-invasive and helps guide long-term care plans.
Short name
Albumin in urine over 24 hours
Frequently asked questions
How often will I need this test?
What does a normal result mean?
Can I eat or drink anything before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy