About Albumin/Creatinine Ratio - Urine
The Albumin/Creatinine Ratio (ACR) in urine is a test that measures the amount of albumin (a type of protein) compared to creatinine (a waste product) excreted in the urine. This ratio is used to assess kidney function, especially in detecting early damage or disease that might not cause discernible symptoms yet. Elevated levels of urinary albumin can indicate damage to the kidney's filtering units, while creatinine is used to stabilize the albumin measure by accounting for urine concentration.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
0.0 - 30.0 mg/g
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate early kidney damage or the presence of chronic kidney disease. It is often associated with conditions like diabetes or hypertension, increasing the long-term risk for renal failure.
Low
Low levels may be associated with minimal health concerns as they can occur naturally or due to dietary changes and do not typically indicate a significant health issue.
Symptoms
High
May include swelling in hands, feet, or face, foamy urine, fatigue, nausea, and insomnia.
Low
Can include dizziness, weakness, confusion, and pale skin.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- ller WG, Bruns DE, Hortin GL, et al. (2024). Urine Albumin Measurements in Clinical Diagnostics. *Clinical Chemistry*, 70(2), 123-135.
- D-H, Lee SW, Hyun J, et al. (2018). Proposed Imprecision Quality Goals for Urinary Albumin/Creatinine Ratio. *Annals of Laboratory Medicine*, 38(5), 420–424.
- uri TT, Hofmann W, Falbo R, et al. (2024). The EFLM European Urinalysis Guideline 2023. *Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine*, 62(12), 1653–1786.
- mida K, Nadkarni GN, Grams ME, et al. (2020). Conversion of Urine Protein-Creatinine Ratio or Urine Dipstick Protein to Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio for Use in Chronic Kidney Disease Screening and Prognosis: An Individual Participant-Based Meta-analysis. *Annals of Internal Medicine*, 173(6), 426-435.
- ssap M, Sortino M, Monteverde E, et al. (2023). Review on Adherence of the Literature to Official Recommendations on Albuminuria Harmonization and Standardization. *Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine*, 61(12), 2076-2083.