Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio Urine Test

What is a microalbumin creatinine ratio test?

Creatinine is a waste product in the urine excreted by the kidneys from our bodies. Albumin is a protein that plays an essential role in preventing fluid leakage into the tissues. Kidneys have small filters that prevent the large molecules of albumin from passing through the urine. Under specific diseased conditions, the kidneys cannot retain the albumin from passing through the urine. Slight traces of albumin starts passing in the urine and is referred to as microalbumin, indicating an early sign of kidney disease.

The microalbumin creatinine ratio urine test measures the amount of albumin secreted by the kidneys. This test is also referred to as urine albumin or microalbumin test.

When is the microalbumin creatinine ratio test done?

A doctor may recommend this test when he suspects or sees early signs of renal disease

• In patients with hypertension
• In patients with Cardiac Diseases
• To evaluate the renal status of a diabetic
• In obese patients & smokers
• To monitor the patients undergoing treatment for kidney disease

What are the components of the microalbumin creatinine ratio test?

The Microalbumin creatinine ratio is a test that measures the amount of creatinine and microalbumin secreted in the urine. The test can be done alone or with a renal profile test.

What is the usual range of the microalbumin creatinine ratio urine test?

• Less than 30: Normal
• A ratio of 30-300: microalbuminuria
• Above 300: considered as macroalbuminuria.

A very high microalbumin creatinine level indicates severe kidney disease.

Timely evaluation of these tests in diabetes can help prevent kidney disease.

How is the test done?

The microalbumin to creatinine ratio is done on a random urine sample

The urine sample is collected on the spot