Microalbumin / Creatinine Ratio
Understanding Microalbumin / Creatinine Ratio
What is Microalbumin / Creatinine Ratio?
The Microalbumin / Creatinine Ratio test is used to evaluate and compare the levels of albumin (a type of protein) and creatinine (a waste product) in your urine. This test is often conducted to help assess kidney function and detect early signs of kidney damage, particularly in individuals with diabetes or hypertension.
The Microalbumin / Creatinine Ratio test examines the levels of two substances in urine: albumin and creatinine. Albumin is a protein normally found in the body and microalbumin refers to a small amount of albumin protein that is excreted in urine. Normally, only very tiny amounts of albumin are present in urine. Conversely, creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles during metabolism. It is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine at a relatively constant rate.
The Microalbumin / Creatinine Ratio test is a more accurate way to measure the amount of albumin in urine than microalbumin alone. It provides insights into kidney function and detects early signs of kidney damage. A high Microalbumin / Creatinine Ratio indicates increased albumin excretion relative to creatinine, which may suggest kidney disease or other conditions affecting kidney health. Getting tested is crucial to monitor the health of your kidneys, especially if you are at risk of kidney disease.
Before the test, inform your doctor of all the medicines and supplements you take, as some may affect the test results. Drink enough water to be able to submit a urine sample for testing. Collect a midstream urine sample into a sterile container provided by the sample collection professional. Women are advised not to give the sample during the menstrual period unless prescribed, as it can interfere with test results.
Lab test results may vary across different laboratories. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation, therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for proper understanding of the test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your condition, and formulate an overall treatment plan.
What is Microalbumin / Creatinine Ratio used for?
The Microalbumin / Creatinine Ratio test is done:
- As part of routine health checkups in patients with high blood pressure and type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
- To help in the diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy, a type of kidney disease associated with diabetes.
- To assess overall cardiovascular risk in addition to kidney health.
- To monitor treatment response for existing liver and kidney diseases.
What does Microalbumin / Creatinine Ratio measure?
The Microalbumin / Creatinine Ratio test compares the level of albumin and creatinine excretion in your urine primarily used to assess kidney function, specifically regarding the kidneys' ability to filter small amounts of protein (albumin) from the blood into the urine.
The ratio of microalbumin to creatinine in your urine sample provides a more accurate assessment of kidney function by accounting for variations in urine concentration. It is typically calculated by dividing the amounts of albumin & creatinine in the urine, both measured in milligrams. This helps to standardize the results, as the concentration of creatinine in urine can vary depending on factors like hydration levels.
Elevated levels of the Microalbumin / Creatinine Ratio indicate increased urinary excretion of albumin, which can be an early sign of kidney damage that needs medical intervention.
Interpreting Microalbumin / Creatinine Ratio results
Interpretations
Gender |
Creatinine value in mg/dl |
Male |
39-259 |
Female |
28-217 |
The results are interpreted as microalbumin:creatinine ratio in mg/g
Category |
Reference range in mg/g creatinine |
Normal / Non-diabetic |
< 30 |
Microalbuminuria |
30 - 300 |
Clinical albuminuria |
> 300 |
Reference range may vary from lab to lab*
Three samples should be collected within 3-6 months, from which at least two should be abnormal to consider for diagnosis.