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Blood and lab tests

What Does Microalbumin Mean on a Urine Test? Explained

Microalbumin · say it: my-kroh-al-BYOO-minAlso written: urine albumin, albumin-to-creatinine ratio, ACR, UACR, urine microalbumin

Short answer

Microalbumin is a test for small amounts of a protein called albumin in urine, an early sign that the kidneys may be leaking protein.

What it means

Albumin is a protein normally kept in the blood by the kidneys' filters. When those filters are under strain, small amounts can leak into the urine. The test picks up amounts too small for a standard urine dipstick.

Results are often given as an albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR). Comparing albumin with creatinine in the same sample helps correct for how concentrated the urine is.

The test is commonly used to check kidney health in people with diabetes or high blood pressure. Exercise, fever, infection and other short-term factors can raise it, so doctors usually confirm a raised result with repeat tests.

Where you may see it

Urine tests for diabetes and blood pressure check-ups
Kidney function assessments

📄 How it looks on a report

Urine ACR 5.2 mg/mmol H

🙅 What it does not mean

One raised result does not confirm kidney damage; temporary causes like exercise or infection can raise it.
"Micro" refers to the small amount of albumin, not to a different or minor kind of protein.
A normal result does not cover every aspect of kidney health; blood tests like eGFR are also used.

🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor

Should this test be repeated to confirm the result?
Could exercise, infection or anything else have affected it?
How do my eGFR and blood pressure fit with this?

🧾 Reports where you will see “Microalbumin”

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🔗 Read more from trusted sources

“Microalbumin” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
MedlinePlus lab test guides ↗
US National Library of Medicine

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More words: blood and lab tests

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