Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with 24-Hour Urine Collection for Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR) in Serum/Plasma
This test measures your long-term blood sugar control (HbA1c) and evaluates kidney function by comparing albumin (a protein) to creatinine (a waste product) in your urine, using a 24-hour urine sample. It helps assess both diabetes management and kidney health together.
["This test combines blood sugar control and kidney health in one evaluation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 24364-2
- Short code
- Obstetric 1996 Pnl Ser+Bld
- Synonyms
- Obstetric 1996 Pnl Ser+Bld
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease. It helps monitor how well your blood sugar is controlled over time and checks for early kidney damage that diabetes can cause.
What to Expect Before the Test
For the UACR part, you’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours in a special container. For the HbA1c, a simple blood draw from your arm is needed. Follow any specific instructions your lab provides, such as avoiding certain foods or drinks before urine collection.
What the Test Results Mean
HbA1c results show average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. Higher values indicate poorer blood sugar control. The UACR ratio compares albumin (a sign of kidney damage) to creatinine (a measure of kidney function). Elevated albumin levels may signal kidney problems.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
High HbA1c levels often mean uncontrolled diabetes, while high UACR may indicate kidney damage from diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions. Low UACR could suggest normal kidney function or low protein intake.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is critical for people with diabetes to prevent long-term complications like kidney disease, heart disease, or nerve damage. Early detection of kidney issues helps adjust treatments like blood pressure or diabetes medications to protect your health.
Short name
HbA1c + UACR Profile
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal HbA1c result mean?
How does the UACR test help with kidney health?
Can diet affect my UACR results?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy