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Microalbuminuria
Small urinary albumin losses — the earliest marker of kidney damage in diabetes and hypertension.
Other names: Urine albumin, ACR, microalbuminSection: Urine tests
Updated: August 31, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortMicroalbuminuria is a small but abnormal loss of albumin in urine. Normal is below 30 mg albumin per gram of creatinine. Because a single positive result is often temporary, it is confirmed with repeat testing before conclusions.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Albumin/creatinine ratio — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
< 30 mg/g
Threshold from the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (international reference, not a national standard). 30–300 mg/g is microalbuminuria, above 300 mg/g — macroalbuminuria. Reference ranges vary between laboratories and assays — use the range printed on your own lab report.
Check your value
Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.
A rough comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary between laboratories — check the range on your own report and let a clinician interpret the result.
What this marker is
The kidney filter normally holds albumin back. Small leaks appear years before other kidney tests change — especially in diabetes and hypertension — which makes the albumin-creatinine ratio a standard annual check in these conditions.
The ratio is measured on a spot urine sample; exercise, fever, infection, and poor glucose control can push it up temporarily, so diagnosis requires persistence.
When it is high
Diabetic kidney diseaseThe earliest laboratory sign; annual screening is standard in diabetes.
HypertensionChronic pressure damage to the kidney filter raises albumin loss.
Temporary causesExercise, fever, urinary infection, and decompensated glucose — a reason to repeat, not to conclude.
When it is low
Expected findingA ratio below 30 mg/g is normal.
What can skew the result
These factors can shift the value without any disease — worth considering before a retest:
Exercise the day beforeFever and infectionGlucose controlMenstruation
How to prepare
Spot morning urine, avoiding exercise the day before and testing during infections or menstruation.
When a retest makes sense
A first positive result is confirmed by two of three repeat samples within 3–6 months.
Who usually reviews this result
A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: your GP or primary care doctor; an endocrinologist or nephrologist for confirmed albuminuria. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.
Names used on lab reports
Your report may use any of these names: MicroalbuminuriaACRUrine albumin-creatinine ratioMicroalbumin
Units
Measured in: mg/g
Several markers on your report?
See how MedProtect explains results in the app: the whole report, a check of the recognized values, and a clear breakdown.
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