Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio, Urine (UACR)
A urine test that measures albumin relative to creatinine, helping detect small amounts of urinary albumin associated with kidney damage.
This test helps identify early kidney changes, especially in people with diabetes or high blood pressure.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 77253-3
- Short code
- Microalbumin/Creat Ur DL<=1mg/L-Rto
- Synonyms
- Microalbumin/Creat 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?
The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, also called UACR, compares the amount of albumin in urine with the amount of creatinine. Creatinine adjustment accounts for differences in urine concentration, making the result easier to interpret.
Why might I need this test?
UACR is commonly used to screen for and monitor kidney disease, particularly in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other risk factors. A small but persistent increase in urinary albumin can be an early sign of kidney damage.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is tested to measure albumin and creatinine, and the laboratory calculates their ratio. This may be collected as a first-morning sample or as a random urine sample, depending on the testing instructions.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions about collection timing and whether to provide a first-morning sample. A clean-catch sample is usually requested, and the laboratory should be told if you have a urinary tract infection, menstruation, or recently exercised heavily.
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 UACR may indicate that the kidneys are allowing more albumin than usual to enter the urine, which can be an early sign of kidney disease. Persistently increased results are more meaningful than a single abnormal result and may occur with diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, infection, or other kidney conditions. Your clinician will interpret the result alongside your other kidney function tests and medical history.
Short name
Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a urine microalbumin test?
Do I need to fast for this test?
Can exercise 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