The Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (UACR) Test measures the amount of albumin (a protein) in the urine relative to creatinine. It helps detect early kidney disease, particularly in diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension) patients.
Doctors may order this test to:
✅ Detect early kidney damage (especially in diabetes or hypertension)
✅ Monitor kidney disease progression
✅ Assess the effectiveness of kidney disease treatment
✅ Check for proteinuria (excess protein in urine)
1️⃣ Urine Sample Collection – A random, spot urine sample is tested.
2️⃣ Lab Analysis – Measures the ratio of albumin (mg) to creatinine (g) in the urine.
🚫 Pre-Test Instructions
📌 Units: mg of albumin per gram of creatinine (mg/g)
| UACR Level | Category | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| <30 mg/g | Normal | No kidney damage |
| 30–300 mg/g | Microalbuminuria | Early kidney disease (risk of progression) |
| >300 mg/g | Macroalbuminuria | Advanced kidney disease (possible kidney failure) |
🔹 Persistent UACR >30 mg/g → Indicates kidney damage risk.
🔴 UACR >300 mg/g → Suggests significant kidney disease.
🔺 Chronic conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease (CKD)
🔺 Infections: Urinary tract infections (UTI), kidney infections
🔺 Heart conditions: Heart failure, high cholesterol
🔺 Medications: NSAIDs, certain antibiotics
🔺 Dehydration or high-protein diet
🔹 Repeat the test to confirm results.
🔹 Blood tests (Serum Creatinine, eGFR) to assess kidney function.
🔹 Blood pressure & diabetes management (if applicable).
🔹 Lifestyle changes (low-salt, low-protein diet, exercise).