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 dipstick or a 24-hour urine sample test.

You can also take a test at home. The self-test falls into two different categories. They are as follows:

• Self-test kits

A dip-stick test is where you use a special paper or a dipstick and dip it in a cup of urine. The stick/paper will change colour depending upon the amount of Album and Creatinine available in your urine.

• Self-collection kits

A special kind of cup/bag is given to you by your doctor. You will have to store the sample in one of those cups/bags and send it to the laboratory for a 24-hour test. Once you receive the Albumin/Creatinine test results, your doctor will give you further details.

The albumin/Creatinine Test is Also Referred to as:

• Microalbumin Test
• Urine Dipstick
• Albuminuria Test

What does the Albumin/Creatinine Test Detect/Measure, and who is this Prescribed for?

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 to not 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.

What are the symptoms of high albumin levels?

The following are the symptoms of high albumin levels:

• Yellowish skin (jaundice)
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Dark urine or grey, pale stools
• Pain around the right ribs, including stomach
• Tenderness around your right ribs

Which foods are high in albumin?

The following are high in albumin:

• Beef
• Milk
• Cottage cheese
• Eggs
• Fish
• Greek yoghurt

For Albumin:

For Creatinine:

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.

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.

Test Preparations:

There is no preparation needed when you are getting tested for Albumin in your urine.

However, you may be asked by the doctor to avoid eating meat, and strenuous exercise before getting tested for Creatinine. Eating meat may affect your Creatinine levels.

The test can be done at home as well by using these methods:

• Self-test kits

A dip-stick test, where you use a special paper or a dip-stick and dip it in a cup of urine. The stick/paper will change colour depending upon the amount of Album and Creatinine available in your urine.

• Self-collection kits

A special kind of cup/bag is given to you by your doctor. You will have to store the sample in one of those cups/bags and send it to the laboratory for a 24-hour test. Once you receive the Albumin/Creatinine test results, your doctor will give you further details.

Test Inclusions: What Parameters Are Included?

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.

How Frequently Should You Take This Test?

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.

Kidney disorders