Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio

A microalbumin creatinine ratio urine test checks the levels of the protein albumin in your urine (pee). Abnormal amounts of this protein may be an early sign of kidney disease. Your kidneys are two organs on either side of your spine near your waist.

Filters in your kidneys remove waste and extra water from your blood and gets rid of them through urine. Albumin, however, is not a waste product. It is a common protein found in blood.

Therefore, very little, if any, of it should pass into your urine. In healthy kidneys, only a trace of albumin, at most, will get through the filters. This trace is often called microalbumin.

But if your kidneys are damaged, large amounts of albumin may pass into your urine. Creatinine, however, often appears in your urine. It is a waste product that comes from daily wear and tear on your muscles.

Your kidneys usually get rid of this protein at a steady rate. The microalbumin creatinine ratio test compares the levels of albumin in your urine to your levels of creatinine. This ratio can help your health care provider tell if your body is getting rid of albumin at an increased rate.

Why this test is done

Early kidney disease usually doesn't have any symptoms. So, if you have a high risk for kidney disease, you need a microalbumin creatinine ratio test so you can determine if you have early signs of kidney disease. If you do, treating it early can keep it from getting worse.

Because diabetes is the most common causes of kidney disease, it is important for anyone with this condition to get tested for kidney disease every year.

If you have other conditions that increase your risk for getting kidney disease, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, ask your provider how often you need to get tested.

How to prepare

Before providing your urine sample, you may need to avoid:

• Intense exercise. Hard exercise may increase the amount of albumin in your urine for a short time.
• Eating meat. Meat can affect your creatine levels, so you may be asked not to eat any for a day before your test.

Check with your provider about how to prepare for your test. Be sure to ask if any medicines or supplements you take could affect your results.

Sample type

Urine

Other names for this test

albumin-creatinine ratio; urine albumin; microalbumin, urine; ACR; UACR