Albumin/Creatinine Ratio, Timed Urine
Test Code
Clinical Significance
Albumin/Creatinine Ratio, Timed Urine - This test measures the amount of albumin, a large protein, in urine. The presence of albumin in urine may be useful as an early marker of kidney damage. Because the kidneys usually excrete only small molecules into urine, even low levels of albumin in urine (microalbuminuria) may suggest kidney injury [1].
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes and high blood pressure are the major causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The CDC recommends regular testing for CKD in people who have diabetes, high blood pressure, and/or other risk factors, such ...
Test Resources
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Test Details
Methodology
Reference Range(s)
| Creatinine, Timed Urine | Not established |
| Albumin, Urine | Not established |
| Albumin, Excretion Rate | <20 mcg/min |
| Albumin/Creatinine Ratio | <30 mcg/mg creat |
The ADA defines abnormalities in albumin excretion as follows:
| Category | Result (mcg/min) |
| Normal | <20 |
| Microalbuminuria | 20-199 |
| Clinical albuminuria | ≥200 |
The ADA recommends that at least two of three specimens collected within a 3-6 month period be abnormal before considering a patient to be within a diagnostic category.
Preferred Specimen(s)
10 mL urine aliquot from a well-mixed timed urine collection, collected in a plastic urine container - no preservative
Minimum Volume
2 mL
Collection Instructions
Specify total volume and duration of collection on container and test requisition
Transport Container
Plastic urine container
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 28 days
Reject Criteria
Acid preserved urine
Setup Schedule
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days