24-Hour Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio
Measures albumin relative to creatinine in urine collected for 24 hours to assess how much protein is being lost through the kidneys.
["An elevated result may be an early sign of kidney damage, particularly in people with diabetes or high blood pressure."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 59159-4
- Short code
- Microalbumin/Creat 24h Ur-Rto
- Synonyms
- Microalbumin/Creat 24h Ur-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 ratio of albumin, a small protein, to creatinine, a waste product, in urine collected for 24 hours. It helps identify and monitor albumin loss, which can be an early sign of kidney disease.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test to screen for kidney damage, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions that can affect the kidneys. It may also be used to follow kidney health over time.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, usually in a labeled container provided by the laboratory. The urine is then analyzed for albumin and creatinine, and their values are used to calculate the ratio.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions carefully, including the starting and ending times, and record any urine collected outside the container. Tell your clinician about fever, intense exercise, dehydration, or other recent illness, because these can temporarily 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 urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio can indicate that the kidneys are allowing more albumin than usual to enter the urine. This may occur with early diabetic kidney disease, hypertension, or other kidney conditions, so an abnormal result is usually interpreted alongside other kidney tests. A single abnormal result does not always establish a diagnosis; repeat testing may be needed to confirm persistent albumin loss.
Short name
Urine albumin/creatinine ratio
Frequently asked questions
What does a high urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio mean?
Why is a 24-hour urine collection used?
Can exercise, illness, or dehydration affect the result?
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