Albumin/Creatinine Ratio, Urine (Microalbumin-to-Creatinine Ratio)
A urine test that measures albumin relative to creatinine, helping detect and monitor early kidney damage, especially with diabetes or high blood pressure.
["This test checks for small amounts of urine albumin that may signal early kidney damage."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 30000-4
- Short code
- Microalbumin/Creat Ur-Rto
- Synonyms
- Microalbumin/Creat 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?
The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, sometimes called the microalbumin-to-creatinine ratio, measures the amount of albumin in urine relative to creatinine. Creatinine is a waste product that can help show how concentrated the urine sample is.
Why might I need this test?
This test is commonly used to screen for and monitor early kidney damage in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other kidney disease risk factors. An increased amount of urine albumin can appear before other signs of kidney injury become noticeable.
How is the test performed?
You provide a urine sample, and a laboratory measures albumin and creatinine in it. The laboratory then calculates the albumin-to-creatinine ratio. A first-morning urine sample is often preferred, but a random clean-catch sample may also be used.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions about when and how to collect the sample. You may be asked to provide a first-morning urine sample, avoid unusually heavy exercise beforehand, and tell the laboratory if you currently have a urinary tract infection.
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 may indicate early kidney damage associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, or another kidney condition. Exercise, fever, urinary infection, or temporarily high blood sugar can also cause a temporary increase, so an abnormal result often needs confirmation. Your clinician will interpret the result alongside your medical history and other kidney tests.
Short name
Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR)
Frequently asked questions
What does microalbumin mean?
Why is creatinine included in the urine test?
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