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Test Code Billings Clinic: 8587 Microalbumin/Creatinine Ratio, Urine

Important Note

Samples should not be collected after exertion, in the presence of urinary tract infection, during acute illness, immediately after surgery, or after an acute fluid load.

Performing Laboratory

Billings Clinic Laboratory:  Chemistry

Useful For

The urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio is used to estimate the risk or presence of diabetic nephropathy

Methodology

PEG-enhanced Immunoturbidimetric / Modified Jaffe method

Specimen Requirements

  • 10 mL from a first-morning, random urine collection in a urine container.
  • Send specimen refrigerated.

Storage/Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Urine Refrigerated (preferred) 4 days
  Frozen 1 month

 

Reject Due To

  • Specimens collected in a preservative
  • Visibly contaminated with blood

Reference Values

  • A ratio of <30 mg/g is normal and need only be repeated yearly.
  • A ratio of ≥30 mg/g and <300 mg/g has been identified as a range that places the patient at increased risk for diabetic nephropathy and its complications.
  • At least 2 ratios in this range indicate the presence of microalbuminuria and incipient diabetic nephropathy.
  • All abnormal ratios should be confirmed.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Daily

Test Classification and CPT Coding

82043 - Albumin, urine, microalbumin, quantitative

82570 - creatinine, other source

LOINC Code Information

Reporting Name LOINC Code
Microalbumin, Urine 2888-6
Creatinine, Urine 2161-8
Microalbumin.Creatinine Ratio 14959-1