Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio Urine (ACR) Test
Also known as: Microalbumin / Creatinine Ratio, Urine
Microalbumin / Creatinine Ratio, Urine Details in Brief
| Also Known As | Microalbumin/Creatinine Ratio, Urine; Microalbuminuria Test, Microalbumin/Creatinine Ratio Urine Spot Test |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Evaluates kidney function and detects early signs of kidney damage, especially in diabetics |
| Preparation | No special preparation required; collect a 10 ml spot urine sample |
| Fasting | Not required |
| Reporting Time | Same day: 5 PM |
| Cost | 700 |
What is a Urine Microalbumin Test?
A urine microalbumin test is a simple laboratory test that detects very small amounts of a protein called albumin in your urine. This test uses a urine sample to check how well your kidneys are working. The test helps detect early signs of kidney damage, particularly diabetic nephropathy, often before you experience any symptoms. It serves as an early warning system for kidney disease.
What Does the Urine Microalbumin Test Measure?
The test evaluates your kidney health by checking several important factors:
- Protein leakage detection: Measures albumin that has escaped from your kidneys into urine
- Kidney filter function: Checks if your kidney filters are working properly to keep proteins in your blood
- Early kidney damage: Identifies microscopic kidney damage before symptoms appear
- Albumin-to-creatinine ratio: Provides accurate results by comparing albumin levels to creatinine levels
- Risk assessment: Helps determine your risk for cardiovascular disease and kidney complications
Urine Microalbumin Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done
What symptoms may call for a urine microalbumin test?
Early kidney damage typically shows no symptoms, which is why this test is so important. However, if kidney disease progresses, you may notice these signs:
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, hands, or face
- Foamy or bubbly-looking urine
- Increased urination, especially at night
- Persistent tiredness and lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating
Who should get a urine microalbumin test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you belong to certain high-risk groups:
- People with diabetes: Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients need annual screening.
- Individuals with high blood pressure - Hypertension can damage the kidney blood vessels over time.
- Those with a family history - Close relatives with kidney disease increase your health risk.
- Adults over 65 years: Kidney function naturally declines with age.
- People with heart disease: Cardiovascular conditions are often linked to kidney problems.
Why is a urine microalbumin test done?
This test provides early detection of kidney damage when treatment can still prevent progression to kidney failure. It allows doctors to start protective treatments before serious complications develop.
Importance of a Urine Microalbumin Test
The urine microalbumin test serves as a crucial early warning system for kidney health. It can detect kidney damage 5 to 10 years before standard tests show problems, providing a critical window for intervention.
This test guides important treatment decisions, including tighter blood sugar control, blood pressure management, and kidney-protective medications. Early detection helps prevent severe health risks like dialysis or a kidney transplant, significantly improving your long-term health and quality of life.
Urine Microalbumin Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India
How to book a urine microalbumin test?
- Simple Online Booking
Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select the Urine Microalbumin Test, choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a urine sample collection at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab. - Safe Home Sample Collection
Our trained phlebotomists ensure the timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols. - Sample Tracking Updates
Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website. - Accurate Laboratory Testing
Your sample is processed at our NABL & CAP-accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results. - Quick & Easy Reports
Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.
Is home sample collection for the urine microalbumin test available near you?
Yes, home sample collection is available for the urine microalbumin test. Our trained phlebotomists visit your home at your preferred time, following strict safety and hygiene protocols. Metropolis Healthcare's commitment to accessible, reliable testing means you can prioritise your kidney health without disrupting your daily routine or travelling to a pathology lab.
How long does it take to get a urine microalbumin test Report?
Reports are usually available within the same day, after 5 PM.
Where can I see or get urine microalbumin test results?
Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.
Interpreting Urine Microalbumin Test Results
Understanding your test results helps you take appropriate action for your kidney health.
|
Parameter |
Normal Range |
High Values May Indicate |
Low Values May Indicate |
|
Albumin-Microalb/Creatinine Ratio |
Normal: < 30 μg/mg |
Early kidney damage, diabetic nephropathy, and increased cardiovascular risk |
Generally not concerning; indicates healthy kidney function |
|
Albumin/Microalbumin in Urine |
≤ 30 mg/L |
Kidney damage, protein leakage from kidneys |
Normal kidney function |
|
Creatinine, Urine |
Variable based on individual factors |
Used for ratio calculation |
Used for ratio calculation |
Conditions that May Affect Urine Microalbumin Test Accuracy
Several factors can influence urine microalbumin test results and should be discussed with your healthcare provider:
- Exercise within 24 hours: Strenuous physical activity can temporarily increase albumin levels
- Menstruation or pregnancy: Can cause temporary protein elevation in urine
- Urinary tract infections: Active infections may affect albumin levels
- Fever or illness: Acute conditions can temporarily alter results
- Dehydration or excessive water intake: Affects urine concentration and protein levels
- Marked high blood sugar: Poor diabetes control can influence readings
- High blood pressure episodes: Sudden blood pressure spikes may affect results
- Heart problems: Cardiac conditions can temporarily impact kidney function
How is a Urine Microalbumin Test Done?
The urine microalbumin test procedure is simple and non-invasive, requiring only a urine sample.
- Sample collection: You provide a clean-catch urine sample in a sterile container
- Laboratory processing: Your urine sample is tested using the immunoturbidimetry method for albumin
- Creatinine measurement: Creatinine levels are measured using enzymatic methods
- Ratio calculation: The lab calculates the albumin-to-creatinine ratio for accurate results
- Quality control: All testing follows NABL and CAP-accreditation standards.
- Report generation: Results are compiled into a comprehensive report for your doctor.
How Should You Prepare for a Urine Microalbumin Test?
Urine microalbumin test preparation requires minimal effort and no major lifestyle changes.
- No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before the test.
- Avoid strenuous exercise: Skip intense workouts 24 hours before sample collection.
- Stay normally hydrated: Drink adequate water but avoid excessive fluid intake.
- Inform about medications: Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take.
- Collect the first morning sample if possible: Morning urine provides the most accurate results.
- Follow collection instructions: Use the clean-catch method for sample collection.
Diseases that a Urine Microalbumin Test Can Help Detect
The urine microalbumin test helps identify several important health conditions affecting your kidneys and overall health.
- Diabetic nephropathy: Early kidney damage caused by diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease: Progressive loss of kidney function over time
- Hypertensive nephropathy: Kidney damage from high blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease risk: Increased risk for heart and blood vessel problems
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of kidney filtering units
- Proteinuria: Abnormal protein levels in urine indicating kidney issues
Urine Microalbumin Test/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare
Metropolis Healthcare offers comprehensive testing options to support your kidney health monitoring needs.
|
Test/Package Name |
Purpose/Highlights |
|
Quick assessment of kidney function using a spot urine sample |
|
|
Comprehensive 24-hour urine collection for detailed kidney evaluation |
|
|
Measures how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood over 24 hours |
Urine Microalbumin Test Prices in Different Cities
The cost of a urine microalbumin test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate prices in different cities.
|
City |
Price (₹) |
|
₹600 to ₹800 |
|
|
₹600 to ₹800 |
|
|
₹600 to ₹800 |
|
|
₹600 to ₹800 |
Microalbumin / Creatinine Ratio, Urine Price
Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the Microalbumin / Creatinine Ratio, Urine with a clear pricing structure.
The Microalbumin / Creatinine Ratio, Urine Price in Mumbai is ₹ 700 .
We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first morning urine sample is considered best because it's more concentrated and provides stable readings. However, you can collect a random sample anytime if your doctor prefers spot testing.
No, fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before providing your urine sample, unless other tests requiring fasting are ordered simultaneously.
Yes, dehydration can concentrate your urine and potentially increase albumin levels artificially. The albumin-to-creatinine ratio helps correct for concentration differences, making results more reliable despite hydration variations.
No special diet changes are needed. Avoid intense exercise for 24 hours before testing. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements, as some may influence results.
This test doesn't require a blood draw. It's a urine test where you provide a clean-catch urine sample in a sterile container. The procedure is completely non-invasive and painless.
There are no risks associated with this test. Providing a urine sample is completely safe, non-invasive, and causes no discomfort or complications for patients of all ages.
A normal albumin-to-creatinine ratio is less than 30 μg/mg. Microalbuminuria ranges from 30-299 μg/mg, indicating early kidney damage. Values above 300 μg/mg suggest more advanced kidney disease requiring immediate attention.
This test is also called Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR), Microalbuminuria Test, or simply Urine Albumin Test.
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We offer a comprehensive range of 4000+ clinical laboratory tests and profiles, which are used for prediction, early detection, diagnostic screening, confirmation and/or monitoring of the disease.

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