Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine
Understanding Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine
What is Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine?
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.
What is Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine used for?
The microalbumin/creatinine ratio is done:
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To detect early kidney disease in patients with diabetes or other risk factors, such as high blood pressure (hypertension)
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As routine health checkup for patients of hypertension and type 1 or 2 diabetes
Interpreting Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine 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.