Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio
A urine test that measures albumin relative to creatinine, helping detect early kidney damage and assess kidney function over time.
["This test can identify small amounts of urine albumin, an early sign of kidney damage."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14959-1
- Short code
- Microalbumin/Creat Ur
- Synonyms
- Microalbumin/Creat 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?
The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, often called UACR, measures how much albumin is present relative to creatinine in a urine sample. It is used to detect and monitor kidney damage, including damage that may occur before symptoms appear.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test to screen for kidney disease, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney problems. It can also be used to monitor existing kidney disease or the effects of certain medicines.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected, and the laboratory measures the amounts of albumin and creatinine in it. Dividing albumin by creatinine helps account for differences in urine concentration, so a small urine sample can still be interpreted reliably.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually needed. Follow your clinician's instructions about when to collect the urine, and tell the laboratory if you have recently had an infection, exercised intensely, or had a significant illness, as these factors may 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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR)
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a routine urinalysis?
What urine sample is usually used?
Does an abnormal result mean I have kidney disease?
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