Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR)
A urine test that measures albumin relative to creatinine, helping screen for kidney damage, especially in people with diabetes or high blood pressure.
["An elevated UACR may be an early sign of kidney damage and should be interpreted by your healthcare professional."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 96085-6
- Short code
- HEDIS MY 2020 Ur Alb Creat Rto Lab Test
- Synonyms
- HEDIS MY 2020 Ur Alb Creat Rto Lab Test
- Category
- kidney
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio measures how much albumin, a protein that normally stays in the blood, is being lost in the urine. Comparing it with urine creatinine accounts for differences in urine concentration.
Why might I need this test?
This test is commonly used to screen for early kidney damage in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions that can affect the kidneys. It may also be used to monitor kidney health over time.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is tested to determine the amounts of albumin and creatinine, which are used to calculate the ratio. A single urine sample is often sufficient, although some healthcare plans request a specified collection period.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your healthcare professional's collection instructions and provide a clean-catch urine sample when requested. Fasting is usually not required, but unusually intense exercise, fever, or other temporary conditions may affect the result.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio may indicate that the kidneys are allowing more albumin to leak into the urine, which can be an early sign of kidney disease. Factors such as exercise, illness, high blood pressure, and diabetes can affect the result, so an abnormal result is generally confirmed and interpreted alongside other kidney tests.
Short name
Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio
Frequently asked questions
Does this test require a 24-hour urine collection?
Why are both albumin and creatinine measured?
What should I do if my result is abnormal?
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