Albumin/Creatinine Ratio levels: what's normal, high and low
Urine albumin standardized by urine creatinine. The standard screen for early kidney damage.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Albumin/Creatinine Ratio is measured with a urine (random) sample; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 0.000 – 30.0 mg/g. At TestWell it's $24.99 all-in as Microalbumin (Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio), results in 1–3 business days, drawn at Quest. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- mg/g
- Sample
- Urine (random)
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 1–3 business days
- Price
- $24.99
- Labs
- Quest
Albumin/Creatinine Ratio Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 0.000 – 30.0 mg/g |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What your Albumin/Creatinine Ratio result may mean
Above 30 mg/g indicates moderately increased albumin (microalbuminuria); above 300 mg/g is heavy albuminuria.
What a high Albumin/Creatinine Ratio means: causes, symptoms, next steps ↓Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
What does a high Albumin/Creatinine Ratio mean?
A high urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) is the standard early marker of kidney damage: above 30 mg/g is moderately increased, above 300 severely. In people with diabetes or hypertension it is the test that triggers kidney-protective treatment, and it predicts cardiovascular risk independently. Because exercise, fever, infection and dehydration raise it briefly, a first positive is confirmed on repeat morning samples.
Common causes of a high Albumin/Creatinine Ratio
- Diabetic kidney disease, hypertension
- Glomerulonephritis, lupus, other kidney diseases
- Heart failure, obesity, sleep apnea
- Temporary: exercise, fever, urinary infection, dehydration, menstruation
- NSAIDs, very high blood sugar
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- None at moderate levels
- Foamy urine, swelling at high levels
What clinicians usually check next
- Two repeat first-morning samples within 3 months
- eGFR (creatinine and cystatin C), A1c, blood pressure, urinalysis
- Clinician review for ACE inhibitor/ARB and SGLT2 inhibitor when confirmed
Seek care promptly if
- ACR above ~300 mg/g with swelling, uncontrolled blood pressure or falling eGFR — prompt evaluation
How often should the ACR be checked?
Yearly in anyone with diabetes or hypertension; more often once it is elevated, to track response to treatment.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a Albumin/Creatinine Ratio test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Albumin/Creatinine Ratio is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Microalbumin (Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio) | This marker only | $24.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Albumin/Creatinine Ratio: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $24.99 |
| Labcorp | No | — |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | No | — |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Frequently asked
What does a high Albumin/Creatinine Ratio mean?
A high urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) is the standard early marker of kidney damage: above 30 mg/g is moderately increased, above 300 severely. In people with diabetes or hypertension it is the test that triggers kidney-protective treatment, and it predicts cardiovascular risk independently. Because exercise, fever, infection and dehydration raise it briefly, a first positive is confirmed on repeat morning samples.
How often should the ACR be checked?
Yearly in anyone with diabetes or hypertension; more often once it is elevated, to track response to treatment.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my albumin/creatinine ratio?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get Albumin/Creatinine Ratio results?
Most Albumin/Creatinine Ratio results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a Albumin/Creatinine Ratio test cost?
Our Microalbumin (Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio) starts at $24.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my Albumin/Creatinine Ratio test?
Fasting is not required for the Albumin/Creatinine Ratio test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.
Which lab will process my Albumin/Creatinine Ratio test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
Ready to test your albumin/creatinine ratio?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $24.99.