The Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) test is a key indicator of kidney health. It measures how much albumin, a protein, is present in the urine relative to creatinine. Albumin is typically retained by healthy kidneys, so its presence in the urine can signal problems.
- Normal ACR levels: Less than 30 mg/g. This indicates that your kidneys are functioning properly and filtering waste without letting essential proteins like albumin pass into the urine.
- Microalbuminuria (Abnormal ACR levels): Between 30 and 300 mg/g. This suggests early-stage kidney damage, often due to diabetes or high blood pressure. If untreated, this can progress to more severe kidney damage.
- Macroalbuminuria (Severe abnormal ACR levels): Greater than 300 mg/g. This level of albumin in the urine may indicate more significant kidney damage, requiring immediate medical attention.
What Do Abnormal Results Mean?
- Diabetes or Hypertension: Both conditions can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to albumin leakage.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Early detection of elevated ACR can help slow CKD progression.
- Lifestyle and Diet: Abnormal results may require dietary changes, better blood pressure control, and medication adjustments to protect kidney function.
When to Seek Medical Advice:
If your ACR test results are abnormal, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing and lifestyle modifications to prevent kidney disease progression.
Recommended Tests:
- Creatinine Test:
Since ACR tests compare albumin to creatinine, checking blood creatinine levels provides insight into overall kidney function.
Creatinine Test - Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR):
This test assesses kidney filtration efficiency and is often paired with ACR to evaluate kidney health comprehensively.
eGFR Test
