The purpose of the microalbuminuria test is to measure the amount of albumin in the urine. The test is typically used in conjunction with a creatinine test to provide an albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Creatinine is a waste product in the blood that should be removed by the kidneys. When kidney damage occurs, creatinine levels in the urine decrease while albumin levels may increase. Measuring the amount of albumin in the urine is important for detecting the presence of kidney damage. Kidney damage can lead to kidney failure, requiring the patient to undergo dialysis. By identifying kidney damage before it results in kidney failure, your doctor can slow the progression of the disease to preserve kidney function over the long term.