Microalbumin-to-Creatinine Ratio, Urine — Qualitative Test Strip
A urine test strip that screens for albumin relative to creatinine, helping detect moderately increased albuminuria, an early sign of kidney damage.
["A positive result may signal kidney stress or damage and should be confirmed with follow-up urine testing."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95233-3
- Short code
- Microalbumin/Creat Ur Ql Test Str
- Synonyms
- Microalbumin/Creat Ur Ql Test Str
- 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-test-strip
- 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 checks urine for albumin, a protein that can leak through the kidneys, and compares it with urine creatinine. The result provides a screening estimate of the albumin-to-creatinine ratio.
Why might I need this test?
It may be used to screen people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or known kidney disease. Early albumin leakage can occur before other signs of kidney problems become apparent.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected and placed on a reagent strip. The strip changes color according to the amount of albumin relative to creatinine, and the result is read and interpreted by a laboratory professional or clinician.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's collection instructions, which may include providing a first-morning or clean-catch urine sample. Tell the clinician about recent urinary infection, fever, intense exercise, or other temporary conditions that 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.
An increased urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio may indicate early kidney damage associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other kidney conditions. Exercise, fever, urinary infection, and changes in urine concentration can temporarily raise the result, so an abnormal screening result usually needs confirmation with a laboratory-based measurement.
Short name
Urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio
Frequently asked questions
Does this test diagnose kidney disease?
Is this the same as a standard urine protein dipstick?
Can exercise or illness 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