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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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URINALYSIS, REFLEX TO URINE ALBUMIN-CREATININE RATIO

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB3445    Geisinger Epic ID:  119772

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Random urine


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

20 mL of urine; minimum 8 mL. Smaller volumes may be tested with appropriate comment entered on report.


Special notes: 

Urine specimens containing preservatives are not acceptable for urine albumin-creatinine ratio.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Two aliquots are to be made: Preserved aliquot for urinalysis. Unpreserved aliquot for urine albumin-creatinine ratio. Urine grey top tube C&S Preservative tube not acceptable.


Transport temperature: 

Refrigerated.


Specimen stability: 

See Urinalysis with Microscopic Exam and Albumin/Creatinine Ratio, Urine


Rejection criteria: 

Urine specimens containing preservatives are not acceptable for urine albumin-creatinine ratio.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

Color: Colorless, Straw, Yellow (Light / Dark) 
Clarity: Clear 
Specific gravity: 1.003 - 1.030
Esterase: Negative
Nitrite: Negative
pH: 5-7.5
Protein: Negative
Glucose: Negative
Ketone: Negative 
Urobilinogen: Normal (0.2 to 1.0 mg/dL) 
Bilirubin: Negative
Blood: Negative
WBC: 0-2/HPF
RBC: 0-2/HPF
Bacteria: 0-25/HPF


Interpretation guide: 

Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio is reflexively added when urine protein result on urinalysis is greater than or equal to 30 mg/dL.


CPT code(s): 
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Urinalysis with reflex to microscopy. Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio (if applicable).


Methodology: 
Colorimetric and microscopic examination (Urinalysis), Immunoturbidity (Urine albumin), Enzymatic (Urine Creatinine)
Synonyms: 

UA ACR, microalbumin


Clinical significance: 

Urine Albumin is a sensitive marker of nephropathy. It is used to screen for early renal disease in diabetic patients.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Hoi-Ying Elsie Yu, PhD, DABCC, FADLM
Sheng-Ying (Margaret) Lo, PhD, DABCC
Review Date:  12/26/2024

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