Lab test · Kidney
Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR)
The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio detects small amounts of albumin in urine — an early sign of kidney damage. Who should have it and how it is interpreted.
Written by LON6EVITY Editorial Team · Last updated
What it measures
The test compares albumin to creatinine in a urine sample. MedlinePlus explains that it can find very small amounts of albumin, which may be an early sign of kidney disease.
Who it is for
NIDDK lists the urine albumin test together with eGFR as the two main tests for chronic kidney disease. It is especially recommended for people with diabetes or high blood pressure.
Interpreting results
Exercise, infection, fever and dehydration can raise albumin temporarily, so a raised result is usually confirmed with repeat samples before it is considered persistent.
Factors that can affect the result
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Recent exercise
- Infection or fever
- Hydration
Questions people commonly ask
- Why is it a ratio?
- Relating albumin to creatinine corrects for how concentrated the urine is, so a single spot sample can be used.
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Keep your health results in one place
What does this mean for your own health data? Log your results, follow trends over time and bring an organised summary to your next doctor's appointment.
Sources
- Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Chronic Kidney Disease Tests & Diagnosis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH).