Microalbumin-to-Creatinine Ratio, 12-Hour Urine
A 12-hour urine test that measures albumin relative to creatinine to help detect early kidney damage when urinary albumin is only mildly increased.
["An increased urine microalbumin-to-creatinine ratio may be an early sign of kidney damage, especially with diabetes or high blood pressure."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44292-1
- Short code
- Microalbumin/Creat 12h Ur
- Synonyms
- Microalbumin/Creat 12h Ur
- Category
- kidney
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 3.5
- Ref high
- 5
- Critical range
- 1.5 N/A – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- detection-limit-mg-l
- CPT
- 82040
- SNOMED
- 22383007
- 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
What is this test?
This test measures the amount of albumin, a small protein, in urine compared with the amount of creatinine, a waste product used to estimate urine concentration. The ratio is calculated from urine collected over 12 hours.
Why might I need this test?
It may be used to check for early kidney damage, particularly in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions that can affect the kidneys. A small amount of albumin in urine can appear before noticeable changes in kidney function.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine produced during a specified 12-hour period, usually beginning after emptying your bladder. The container and collection instructions should come from the laboratory or healthcare provider, and the total urine volume and collection time are recorded.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions carefully and record when the collection starts and ends. Tell the healthcare team about a urinary infection, fever, menstrual bleeding, very high blood sugar, or recent vigorous exercise because these can affect the result.
Reference range
Adult: 3.5-5.0 g/dLN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An increased ratio may indicate that the kidneys are leaking more albumin than expected, an early sign of kidney disease. This can be associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, and other kidney conditions. Results should be interpreted alongside kidney function tests, symptoms, and medical history because temporary urinary or systemic factors can also raise the ratio.
Short name
12-Hour Urine Microalbumin/Creatinine Ratio
Frequently asked questions
Why is the result reported as a ratio?
Does an increased result mean I have kidney disease?
How is a 12-hour urine collection done?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy