Albumin Creatinine Ratio (ACR) / Urine For Microalbuminuria Test

The human body constantly needs the energy to function. The energy it derives is from the proteins (that the cells prepare) and the food we eat. A good amount of protein means more energy in the body. But excess of anything, even protein, is always harmful.

Two such proteins that are present in human blood are Albumin and Creatinine. Their function is to provide energy to your cells so that your body can function smoothly. The organ responsible for the creation of these proteins is the Liver.

Albumin is one of the most critical proteins in your system, as it is responsible for repairing damaged tissues. Albumin also helps your tissue cells grow with the energy that it packs inside. On the other hand, Creatinine is a chemical compound leftover from energy-producing processes in your muscles.

Once Albumin and Creatinine enter your urine, it can turn out to be harmful to your body as it can lead to severe diseases. It is the kidney’s job to prevent it from happening. A healthy kidney will not let large amounts of albumin and creatinine enter the urine.

The Albumin/Creatinine urine test measures the amount of albumin and creatinine present in your urine. Depending upon the range, the doctor will tell the functioning of the Kidneys. If they are not, it can be a sign of Kidney disease.

If large amounts of albumin and creatinine are found in the urine sample, it is likely that your kidney is not functioning properly, which can mean you have kidney disease. Speaking to a doctor should be your first step after getting your Albumin/Creatinine urine test results.

The Album/Creatinine urine test can also be done to evaluate and monitor Kidney disorder management. The test can be either a dip-stick or 24-hour urine sample test.

As the name suggests, the urine test of Albumin/Creatinine is done to measure the amount of Albumin and Creatinine in your urine. The sample that the laboratory collects is urine.

You can also use one of the self-test kits mentioned above.

Kidney disorders

The Albumin/Creatinine test is done to measure the amount of protein present in your urine. Albumin is a common protein that is used by the human body to function at its best. It's the kidneys’ job not to let albumin enter the urine. If it does, that may mean your kidneys aren’t functioning properly and might need treatment.

It is also prescribed to those who have:

• High blood pressure/ diabetes.
• A family history of chronic kidney disease.
• Suffer from obesity.
• Smoke cigarettes.
• Have some kind of cardiovascular disease.

The Doctor or Nephrologist advises Albumin/Creatinine tests as a part of their patients’ yearly health check-ups.

Albumin/Creatinine test becomes a part of your treatment if you have kidney disease.

Before the Test

The Albumin/Creatinine urine test doesn't generally require fasting. But if specific instructions given by your healthcare provider regarding food, drink, or medication restrictions pertaining to another blood test scheduled for the same time, kindly follow them. Before the test, you will be provided with a sample collection kit. Usually the first urine of the morning is collected as a sample. If the test doesn't require morning urine, you should drink water for a few hours before the test. However, you may be asked by the doctor to avoid eating meat, strenuous exercise before getting tested for Creatinine. Eating meat may affect your Creatinine levels.

During the Test

If you are doing the sample collection at home, here are the steps generally involved:

• Clean your genital area thoroughly before the test to avoid contamination of the sample.
• Wash your hands and unseal the collection kit.
• Start urinating, and once you are midstream,  collect the urine in the container. Avoiding the initial and final parts of the stream are advisable.
• Securely cap the container without touching the inside.
• Wash your hands again.
• Label the collection jar with your details if not pre-labeled.

After the Test

• Store the collection jar with the sample in a cool and dry place away from sunlight which can degrade the sample.
• Hand the sample over to the healthcare professional sent by your online test provider.

The doctor may order you to take the Albumin/Creatinine test in order to:

• Diagnose if you have any kidney disorders or diseases.
• Monitor the progression of your kidney disease treatment.

The Albumin/Creatinine test determines the amount of protein in your urine and subsequently helps determine your kidney’s health.

For Albumin:

For Creatinine:

The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

If you were given a dipstick test, the paper/dipstick would change its colour depending on the levels of Albumin and Creatinine present in your urine. Upon receiving the results of the Albumin/Creatinine test, you will be guided by the doctor for the next steps.

A high amount of protein present in your urine means that your kidneys are not functioning properly, so Albumin and Creatinine enter urine from the blood. So if you did the self-test and the levels are high, it is advisable to consult with your doctor for further management.