Urine Microalbumin-to-Creatinine Ratio — Spot Urine
Measures small amounts of albumin relative to creatinine in a urine sample to help assess kidney function and detect early kidney damage.
["An elevated urine microalbumin-to-creatinine ratio can be an early sign of kidney damage, especially in people with diabetes or high blood pressure."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 30001-2
- Short code
- Microalbumin/Creat Ur Test Str-Rto
- Synonyms
- Microalbumin/Creat Ur Test Str-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-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 urine test measures the amount of albumin, a protein that normally stays in the bloodstream, compared with creatinine, a waste product cleared by the kidneys. The ratio helps identify small amounts of albumin leaking into the urine, which may occur before kidney function changes noticeably on other tests.
Why might I need this test?
Clinicians may use this test to screen for early kidney damage, particularly in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of heart or kidney disease. It can also be used to monitor kidney health over time.
How is the test performed?
You provide a urine sample, usually from a clean-catch midstream collection. The laboratory measures albumin and creatinine in the sample and calculates their ratio. A first-morning sample is sometimes requested because it is more concentrated, but testing may also be done with a random sample.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow any instructions from your healthcare professional, including whether to collect a first-morning sample. Avoid vigorous exercise and excessive fluid intake shortly before collection, and tell the clinician if you have a urinary tract infection, fever, or markedly high blood glucose.
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 small amounts of albumin to leak into the urine, an early sign of kidney damage associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other kidney conditions. A temporary increase can also occur with exercise, fever, urinary tract infection, or high blood glucose. Results should be interpreted by a clinician along with other kidney function tests and your medical history.
Short name
Urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a standard urine protein test?
Does an elevated result mean I have kidney disease?
How often is the test repeated?
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