Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR) or Urinary Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio
This test measures the ratio of albumin (a protein) to creatinine in your urine. It helps assess how much protein your kidneys are losing over time, often used to monitor kidney function and early signs of kidney disease.
["A simple urine test to check kidney health and protein loss."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 111248-1
- Short code
- Kappa LC Msmt Ur
- Synonyms
- Kappa LC Msmt Ur
- 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 Matters
Your kidneys normally filter waste and extra fluids from your blood. If they’re damaged, they may allow small amounts of protein (like albumin) to leak into your urine. This test helps detect early kidney problems, including diabetes-related kidney damage or high blood pressure effects.
How the Test Works
A small urine sample is collected (often in the morning). The albumin and creatinine levels are measured separately, then compared. The ratio helps identify protein loss relative to kidney function, even if kidney damage isn’t severe yet.
Preparation and Collection
No special preparation is needed. Collect a mid-stream urine sample (about 10–30 mL) in a clean container. If you’re using a 24-hour urine collection, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure accuracy.
What Results Mean
Higher-than-normal ratios may indicate kidney issues, especially in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease. Lower ratios suggest normal kidney function. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated UACR is a key marker for **microalbuminuria**, a stage of kidney disease where protein leaks into urine but kidney function may still be preserved. It’s often used alongside blood pressure and glucose tests to guide treatment for diabetes or hypertension. Early detection allows for interventions like blood pressure control or diabetes management to slow progression.
Short name
UACR
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What causes a high UACR result?
Can lifestyle changes affect UACR results?
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