Urine microalbumin
urine microalbumin · albumin to creatinine ratio · ACR test · protein in urine test
This is a urine test. It looks for very small amounts of a protein called albumin, which a routine test does not pick up.
Once a year with diabetes or high blood pressure, to catch early strain on the kidneys.
⏱ Duration: collecting takes 5 minutes; results usually come in 1 to 2 days
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- The day before. No hard workouts and no alcohol. Better not to eat a lot of meat.
- Collecting. Usually a morning sample, sometimes a 24-hour collection. Ask the lab which one you need.
- Medicines. Do not stop them on your own. Tell your doctor what you take.
What to bring
- The container with urine
- Your test request form
- Your ID
How it goes
- In the morning, wash with warm water, no soap
- Pee the first few seconds into the toilet
- Catch the middle part in a sterile container
- Close the lid and take it to the lab within 1 to 2 hours
What you'll feel
- Nothing unpleasant
Afterwards
- Results usually come in 1 to 2 days
- If the result is high, the doctor usually asks you to repeat the test
Common questions
If albumin is high, does that mean my kidneys are sick?
Not necessarily. It can rise for a short time after exercise or with a fever. That is why the test is repeated.
How often should I have it with diabetes?
Usually once a year. Your doctor will tell you more exactly.