Microalbumin-to-Creatinine Ratio, Urine
This urine test measures small amounts of albumin relative to creatinine, helping assess kidney health and detect early signs of kidney damage.
["An elevated urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio may signal early kidney damage, especially in people with diabetes or high blood pressure."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34535-5
- Short code
- Microalbumin/Creat ratio pnl Ur
- Synonyms
- Microalbumin/Creat ratio pnl 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
- 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?
The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, also called UACR, measures a small amount of urine albumin relative to urine creatinine. Albumin is a protein that should normally be retained by the kidneys, while creatinine helps account for how concentrated the urine is.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be used to screen for or monitor kidney disease, particularly in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions that can affect the kidneys. It can detect albumin leakage in the urine before noticeable symptoms develop.
How is the test performed?
You provide a urine sample, and the laboratory measures albumin and creatinine in it. A first-morning urine specimen may be requested because it is usually more concentrated, but collection instructions can vary by laboratory.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions and use the provided clean-catch container if directed. Tell your clinician about recent fever, vigorous exercise, urinary infection, or menstrual bleeding, as 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 ratio may indicate that the kidneys are allowing more albumin to leak into the urine, which can be an early sign of kidney disease. This finding may also be associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, inflammation, or other kidney conditions and should be interpreted alongside other kidney tests. A single abnormal result does not always establish a diagnosis, so repeat testing or additional evaluation may be needed.
Short name
Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR)
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a routine urinalysis?
Does an elevated result mean I definitely have kidney disease?
Do I need to 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