Urine Microalbumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (Microalbumin-to-Creatinine Ratio)
This test measures small amounts of a protein called albumin in your urine, compared to a measure of your kidney function (creatinine). It helps check for early kidney damage.
["A useful early indicator of kidney problems, often checked in people at higher risk of diabetes or heart disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 8249-5
- Short code
- Trans Cells UrnS Ql Micro
- Synonyms
- Trans Cells UrnS Ql Micro
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- microscopy-light
- 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
Why This Test Matters for Kidney Health
Albumin is normally filtered out of your blood by your kidneys and excreted in urine. If your kidneys are damaged, they may not work as well, allowing more albumin to leak into urine. This test helps detect early kidney issues by measuring tiny amounts of albumin in relation to creatinine, which reflects kidney function. Early detection can help manage conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure before they cause serious damage.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this urine test. You may collect a midstream urine sample in a clean container, or your healthcare provider may use a catheter or other method to collect a sample. Drink plenty of water the day before if you’re asked to, but avoid excessive exercise or strenuous activity that could affect urine composition.
How the Test Works
The test compares the amount of albumin (a protein) to creatinine (a waste product from muscle breakdown) in your urine. Creatinine levels are used as a reference to ensure the albumin measurement is accurate, even if urine volume varies. This ratio helps identify kidney problems early, often before symptoms appear.
When Your Doctor Might Order This Test
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease, or other risk factors for kidney problems. It’s also used to monitor kidney function in people with chronic conditions or after treatments that could affect kidneys.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Microalbumin-to-Creatinine Ratio
Frequently asked questions
What does a high or low result mean?
Do I need to fast before this test?
How often should I get this test?
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