Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio
A microalbumin creatinine ratio urine test checks the levels of the protein albumin in your urine (pee).
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. Other names: albumin-creatinine ratio; urine albumin; microalbumin, urine; ACR; UACR
Why is this test ordered? 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.
Clinical Interpretation
If your microalbumin creatinine ratio shows an abnormal amount of albumin in your urine, you will likely need more tests to confirm your results. That's because temporary increases in albumin levels may be caused by exercise, certain medicines, fever, and inflammation in the body. Usually, you will have two more tests during the three to six months after your first test. If two out of three tests show abnormal levels of albumin in your urine, you may have early-stage kidney disease. Higher or increasing amounts of albumin in your urine usually mean you have: More serious kidney disease that's likely to get worse faster. A higher risk for developing problems with your heart and blood vessels ( vascular diseases ). If you have higher-than-normal amounts of albumin in your urine, you may need to be tested more often. Smaller amounts of albumin in your urine don't always mean you have kidney disease. Other conditions that cause inflammation may increase albumin in urine, including: Urinary tract infections . Gum infections (periodontitis) . Hepatitis . Your test results may also be affected by your muscle density and your diet, age, and race. If you have an abnormal result, your provider will usually order other kidney tests , including a blood test called an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test . Talk with your provider about what your test results mean. If you're diagnosed with early kidney disease, there are steps you can take to reduce the amount of albumin in your urine and protect your health. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results .
Clinical Protocol & Patient Advice
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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.
Usage Guidance
- Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Always discuss your specific results with a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. View the original.