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Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine

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Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine test is used to measure the amount of albumin in urine. Albumin level keeps fluctuating throughout the day, hence this test helps to measure the albumin level more accurately, as it gives a ratio of albumin to creatinine. Albumin is a protein found in the blood and is filtered by the kidneys. It is excreted in the urine in very low amount. The presence of high level of albumin in the urine is usually an indication of a kidney disease. This test is crucial as it helps to detect a kidney problem at an early stage even before the onset of any symptoms.

Values above normal indicate albuminuria. Sometimes a very low amount of albumin can also be due to urinary tract infection.
This test is recommended on a regular basis to the patients suffering from diabetes and hypertension as they are more prone to kidney problems.

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What does Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine measure?

Usually, albumin and creatinine tests are done randomly (not timed) on a urine sample, and the results are used to calculate an albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR). This test gives a more accurate indication of how much albumin is being released into the urine.

The healthy kidneys keep healthy components such as albumin and filter waste from the blood. In case of kidney damage, albumin can leak through the kidneys and exit the body through urine.

In case of any damage caused to the kidney, albumin is one of the first proteins to leak through the kidney. This test is recommended in those patients who are at increased risk of kidney disease or damage such as patients with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or high blood pressure.

Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism. Normally, it is released into the urine at a constant rate. The level of creatinine in the urine is an indication of the urine concentration. Thus, creatinine measurement can be used to indicate correct urine concentration when measuring albumin in a random urine sample.

The presence of a small amount of albumin in the urine can be an early indicator of kidney disease. The term ‘microalbuminuria’ is referred to a condition in which a small amount of albumin is present in the urine, while the term ‘albuminuria’ refers to a condition where there is presence of any amount of rise in albumin levels in the urine.

FAQs related to Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine

How is the urine sample collected?

As the test is performed on the urine sample. It is essential to prevent contamination of the sample with microorganisms naturally present on the skin. During urine collection, women should spread the labia (outer lips of the vagina) while men should retract or pull back the foreskin (fold of skin covering the glans or head of the penis). Start urinating normally and let some urine flow before collecting 20 to 30 ml urine the sterilized container available from the lab or any pharmacy. After collecting the sample, finish urinating into the toilet or urinal. This process is called midstream clean catch method. The urine sample may also be collected using a catheter inserted through the urethra directly into the urinary bladder. Sample collected through a catheter usually has no contamination.

Which factors can cause higher than expected urinary microalbumin results?

The factors which can cause higher than expected urinary microalbumin results include hematuria (blood in urine), certain medicines, fever, recent vigorous exercise, urinary tract infection, and other kidney diseases.

What is microalbuminuria?

Microalbuminuria is a condition where the levels of albumin protein in urine are more than normal. It is an early sign of kidney problems. The risk of developing microalbuminuria increases in the case of diabetic and hypertensive patients. The patients having microalbuminuria are also at increased risk of having heart disease.

What are the risk factors which can lead to microalbuminuria?

The risk factors include being overweight, smoking, having a family history of diabetes, and kidney problems.

What are the symptoms of microalbuminuria?

The symptoms of microalbuminuria do not appear at the early stages. Symptoms usually appear at late stages when the kidneys stop working properly. The symptoms include changes in urine, changes in the skin, and puffiness.

Content created by

Dr. Swati Gupta (Anand)

MBBS, MD Lab Medicine

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Last Updated

25th Oct 2023