Urine microalbumin test (albumin creatinine ratio)
Quick answer: This urine test measures small amounts of a protein called albumin, often compared with creatinine as a ratio, which can be an early sign of kidney damage. It is used to screen people with diabetes or high blood pressure for early kidney disease and to monitor it over time.
- SampleUrine or 24-hour urine
- TakesA few minutes for a spot sample; 24 hours for a full collection
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed for a spot sample, often the first morning urine; for the 24-hour test, you will be given a container and collection instructions.
How the test is done
- 1You are given a clean container, and often asked for an early morning sample
- 2You pass a small amount into the toilet first, then collect midstream urine
- 3For a 24-hour test, you collect all urine over a full day
- 4The lab measures albumin and usually creatinine to work out the ratio
What your results can mean
Reading your report
Heavy exercise, fever or infection can raise it, so a raised result is usually repeated; discuss it with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
A raised level can be an early sign of kidney damage, often from diabetes or high blood pressure, and can also be seen briefly after heavy exercise, fever, infection or with uncontrolled blood sugar. A normal result means little or no albumin was found.
Who usually has this test
People with diabetes or high blood pressure, usually once a year, and people with known kidney disease.
Risks and aftercare
There is no risk or discomfort, and you can go back to your usual activities straight away.
Names and options
Also called: microalbumin, ACR, UACR, urine albumin creatinine ratio, microalbuminuria
Options
- Albumin creatinine ratio, spot urine
- Microalbumin, spot urine
- Microalbumin (quantitative)
- Microalbumin, 24-hour urine
Listed by the hospital as
- MICRO ALBUMIN CREATININE RATIO, URINE
- MICRO ALBUMIN (QUANTITATIVE)
- MICROALBUMIN LEVEL, URINE
- MICROALBUMINURIA, 24 HRS URINE
- URINE MICROALBUMIN
- URINE MICROALBUMIN/CREATININE RATIO
Questions about this test
Why is microalbumin checked in diabetes?
Diabetes can damage the kidneys slowly, and small amounts of albumin in urine are one of the earliest signs. Finding it early lets doctors adjust treatment to protect the kidneys. Many guidelines suggest a yearly check.
What is the albumin creatinine ratio?
It compares the amount of albumin with creatinine in the same urine sample. Creatinine corrects for how diluted or concentrated your urine is, so a single spot sample gives a useful result.
Should I avoid exercise before a microalbumin test?
Heavy exercise in the day before can raise urine albumin for a short time. Avoid very hard workouts before the test, and tell staff if you have a fever or urine infection.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
Get directions ↗IVF Pulse fertility care at Tamara Hospital →
Reception
Waiting area
IVF lab
This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.