Microalbumin/Creatinine [Mass Ratio] in 24-Hour Urine
Measures urine albumin relative to creatinine in a 24-hour urine collection to help assess kidney health, especially in people with diabetes or hypertension.
An elevated urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio can be an early sign of kidney damage and should be interpreted by your clinician.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 77254-1
- Short code
- Microalbumin/Creat 24h Ur DL<=1mg/L-Rto
- Synonyms
- Microalbumin/Creat 24h Ur DL<=1mg/L-Rto
- 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 protein that normally stays in the bloodstream, relative to creatinine in your urine. The creatinine comparison helps account for variations in urine concentration.
Why might I need this test?
It may be used to screen for or monitor early kidney damage, particularly if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of kidney disease. It can also help evaluate treatment aimed at protecting kidney function.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine produced during a full 24-hour period according to the instructions provided by the laboratory. The laboratory then measures albumin and creatinine and calculates their ratio.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions carefully, including the start and end times and how the container should be stored. Tell your clinician if you currently have a urinary infection, fever, exercise-related muscle injury, or markedly high blood glucose, as 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 elevated ratio may indicate that the kidneys are allowing excess albumin to leak into the urine, which can be an early sign of kidney disease. Exercise, fever, urinary infection, high blood glucose, and uncontrolled blood pressure can also temporarily increase the result, so one abnormal result does not by itself establish a diagnosis. Your clinician will interpret the ratio alongside other kidney-function tests, medical history, and repeat testing when appropriate.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Microalbumin-to-Creatinine Ratio
Frequently asked questions
What does the microalbumin-to-creatinine ratio measure?
Is this the same as a routine urine protein test?
How do I collect a 24-hour urine sample?
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