uACR Test: What Your Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio Reveals

Have you ever wondered what your urine can reveal about your overall health? While we often overlook the importance of what’s going on inside our bodies, our urine can tell us quite a bit, especially when it comes to kidney health. One of the most telling tests for kidney function is the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) test. Though it might sound complex, this simple test can provide invaluable insights into how well your kidneys are functioning and if any damage is occurring, even before symptoms show up.

The uACR test measures the amount of albumin (a protein) in your urine compared to creatinine (a waste product). In healthy kidneys, albumin is typically kept in the bloodstream, while creatinine is filtered out. However, when kidneys are damaged, they may begin to leak small amounts of albumin into the urine, a condition called albuminuria. The presence of albumin in the urine can be one of the earliest signs of kidney disease, often happening before other symptoms like swelling or high blood pressure even appear.

So why is this test important? Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most widespread and silent conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. Early detection through the uACR test can help prevent the progression of kidney damage, allowing for lifestyle changes, medications, or interventions to protect kidney function. The uACR test is especially valuable for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, as they are at higher risk of developing CKD.

In this article, we’ll break down what the uACR test is, what your results mean, and how it plays a crucial role in early kidney disease detection. By understanding this simple yet powerful test, you can take proactive steps to protect your kidneys and overall health.

Purpose of the Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (uACR) Test

The uACR test measures two distinct substances in a single urine sample: albumin and creatinine, calculating a ratio that accurately reflects the rate of albumin excretion. This ratio is expressed in milligrams (mg) of albumin per gram (g) of creatinine (mg/g). Understanding each component is key to appreciating the diagnostic power of the test.

Albumin is the most abundant protein in human blood plasma, produced by the liver. It plays several vital roles, including maintaining oncotic pressure (which keeps fluid from leaking out of blood vessels), transporting hormones, vitamins, and enzymes throughout the body. Due to its relatively large molecular size, healthy kidneys do not allow significant amounts of albumin to pass from the blood into the urine. The kidney’s glomeruli act as sophisticated filters, and their integrity is what keeps albumin where it belongs – in the bloodstream. Therefore, the presence of more than a trace amount of albumin in the urine is abnormal and signals a problem with this filtration barrier.

Creatinine is a chemical waste product derived from the natural breakdown of muscle tissue and, to a lesser extent, from eating meat. The body produces creatinine at a relatively constant rate, depending on a person’s muscle mass. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine from the blood and excrete it into the urine at a steady pace. Because of this consistent excretion rate, creatinine serves as a benchmark in the uACR test. By measuring its concentration, doctors can correct for variations in urine dilution.

For instance, if a person is very hydrated, their urine will be dilute, and the concentration of any leaked albumin would be low. Conversely, in a dehydrated state, the urine is concentrated, making the albumin concentration appear artificially high. By dividing the albumin concentration by the creatinine concentration, the test provides a standardized value that accurately reflects albumin leakage over a 24-hour period from a single spot urine sample.

The primary purpose of the Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (uACR) test is to serve as a highly sensitive screening tool for the early detection of kidney damage, particularly in individuals at high risk for developing chronic kidney disease. This simple, non-invasive urine test can identify dysfunction in the kidney’s filtering units (glomeruli) long before a person experiences any symptoms or shows changes in more conventional blood tests that measure kidney function. Its value lies in identifying a silent problem at a stage where medical and lifestyle interventions can be most effective in preserving kidney health and preventing disease progression.

Why Is Detecting Albumin In Urine Significant?

Detecting albumin in urine is profoundly significant because it is one of the earliest and most reliable markers of damage to the glomeruli, the microscopic filtering units within the kidneys. This condition, known as albuminuria, often precedes any other measurable decline in kidney function or the onset of physical symptoms. Its detection serves as a critical warning that the kidney’s filtration barrier is compromised.

Specifically, the significance of albuminuria can be understood through its role as a sentinel marker for both kidney and cardiovascular disease. When the glomeruli are damaged, often by the long-term effects of high blood pressure (hypertension) or high blood sugar (diabetes), they become more permeable, or leaky. This increased permeability allows albumin molecules, which should have been retained in the blood, to slip through into the urine. The initial stage of this leakage, when only small amounts are present, is referred to as moderately increased albuminuria or microalbuminuria (a uACR of 30-300 mg/g). This stage is particularly important because it signals the onset of kidney disease at a point where it may still be manageable or even reversible with aggressive treatment of the underlying cause.

If left unaddressed, the damage can progress, leading to severely increased albuminuria or macroalbuminuria (a uACR >300 mg/g), which indicates more substantial and often irreversible damage. Furthermore, studies have consistently shown that albuminuria is not just a sign of kidney trouble; it is a powerful, independent predictor of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. The same systemic vascular damage that causes the kidneys to leak protein is often present in the blood vessels of the heart and brain, making the uACR test a valuable tool for overall health risk assessment.

The uACR Test Results

The uACR test results reveal the degree of albumin leakage through the kidneys’ filters, providing a direct measurement that categorizes an individual’s kidney health and their risk for progressing to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The numerical value of the ratio allows clinicians to place patients into specific risk categories – normal, moderately increased, or severely increased, which directly correlates with the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier. This stratification is crucial for determining the urgency and intensity of medical intervention, as higher levels of albuminuria are strongly associated with a faster decline in kidney function and an elevated risk of cardiovascular complications.

Established Ranges for a uACR Test

The established ranges for a uACR test are standardized into three main categories that classify the level of albuminuria and corresponding kidney damage. These categories, as defined by international guidelines such as the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO), provide a clear framework for interpreting results and guiding clinical decisions.

Category	uACR Level (mg/g)	Interpretation and Clinical Significance
Normal or Mildly Increased (A1)	< 30 mg/g	This range is considered normal and indicates that the kidneys are effectively filtering the blood and preventing significant protein loss. It is associated with the lowest risk for CKD progression and cardiovascular events.
Moderately Increased (A2)	30 – 300 mg/g	This category was formerly known as microalbuminuria. It is the earliest clinical sign of kidney disease, particularly in patients with diabetes or hypertension. This is a critical warning stage, as intervention at this point can slow or halt the progression of further damage.
Severely Increased (A3)	> 300 mg/g	This category was formerly known as macroalbuminuria or clinical albuminuria. It signifies more substantial and advanced damage to the kidney’s filtration system. Patients in this range have a significantly higher risk of progressive loss of kidney function, leading towards end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and a much higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

It is important to note that a diagnosis of persistent albuminuria is typically not made based on a single test. Due to potential temporary factors influencing the result, guidelines recommend confirming an elevated uACR with two additional tests over a 3-6 month period. If at least two out of the three tests are in the moderately or severely increased range, a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease can be established.

uACR Levels and Risk of Kidney Disease Progression

Higher uACR levels directly and strongly correlate with an increased risk of both the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the occurrence of major cardiovascular events. This relationship is continuous and graded, meaning that as the uACR value rises, so does the risk of adverse outcomes. This correlation is so robust that uACR is now considered an essential component, alongside the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), for staging CKD and predicting a patient’s long-term prognosis.

Specifically, the progression from a normal uACR (<30 mg/g) to moderately increased albuminuria (30-300 mg/g) marks a critical transition. An individual in this range is at a much higher risk of their eGFR declining over time compared to someone with a normal uACR. This progression signifies that the underlying disease process, such as diabetes or hypertension, is actively damaging the glomeruli. If the albuminuria advances to the severely increased level (>300 mg/g), the risk accelerates dramatically. Patients with macroalbuminuria are many times more likely to experience a rapid decline in kidney function and progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Furthermore, the connection to cardiovascular health cannot be overstated. Albuminuria is a powerful independent risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease. The pathophysiological processes that cause the kidney’s blood vessels to become leaky are often systemic, affecting blood vessels throughout the body, including the coronary and cerebral arteries.

Therefore, a high uACR is not merely a kidney-specific marker but an indicator of widespread endothelial dysfunction and vascular damage. Clinical guidelines use a heat map that combines a patient’s eGFR and uACR categories to visually represent their overall risk, with individuals in the highest uACR and lowest eGFR categories facing the greatest danger. This dual-marker approach provides a far more comprehensive risk assessment than using either measure alone.

Factors Influence Your uACR Test Results

Several temporary physiological states, lifestyle choices, and acute medical conditions can influence your uACR test results, potentially leading to a falsely elevated reading that does not reflect underlying chronic kidney damage. Because the test is highly sensitive, it can pick up on transient increases in albumin excretion that are not related to a persistent pathological process. Recognizing these confounding factors is critical for accurate diagnosis and prevents unnecessary anxiety and further testing. A single high uACR reading should be interpreted with caution and always considered in the context of the patient’s overall clinical picture.

To ensure the test is a reliable indicator of kidney health, you need to understand both the temporary conditions that can skew the numbers and the proper preparation needed before providing a sample. This knowledge helps clinicians decide when a repeat test is necessary and ensures that a diagnosis of persistent albuminuria is based on accurate and reproducible data.

Temporary Conditions to Cause a False Positive uACR Result

A number of temporary and reversible conditions can cause a transient increase in albumin excretion, leading to a false positive or artificially high uACR result. These factors cause a temporary stress on the body or urinary system, which can briefly increase the permeability of the kidney’s glomeruli. It is for this reason that clinical guidelines recommend repeating an abnormal test to confirm that the albuminuria is persistent.

First factors is intense physical exercise. Strenuous or vigorous exercise within the 24 to 48 hours preceding the test is a well-known cause of transient albuminuria. The physiological stress of intense activity can temporarily alter kidney hemodynamics and increase glomerular permeability, allowing albumin to leak into the urine. This effect is temporary and typically resolves within a day or two of rest. Besides, any systemic illness accompanied by a fever can increase the body’s metabolic rate and cause a temporary rise in albumin excretion. The inflammatory response associated with infection can affect blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the kidneys, making them more leaky.

UTI can also cause a temporary spike in uACR test. It can cause inflammation within the urinary system, which may lead to the presence of protein and blood in the urine, directly confounding the uACR result. It is standard practice to treat a UTI and ensure it has resolved before re-testing the uACR. Next, while the ratio to creatinine is designed to correct for urine concentration, severe dehydration can still sometimes affect the accuracy of the result. It is best to maintain normal hydration levels before the test.

For female patients, collecting a urine sample during menstruation can lead to contamination of the sample with blood, which contains high levels of albumin. This will result in a falsely high uACR reading. It is advisable to wait until menstruation has completely finished before providing a sample. Finally, note that a period of very high blood pressure (hypertensive crisis) or extremely high blood glucose (hyperglycemia) can put acute stress on the kidneys and cause a temporary increase in albumin leakage.

How to Properly Prepare for a uACR test

To properly prepare for a uACR test and ensure the most accurate result, you should avoid vigorous physical activity. Refrain from any strenuous or high-intensity exercise for at least 24 hours before you collect your urine sample. Activities like heavy weightlifting, long-distance running, or high-intensity interval training should be postponed. Normal daily activities and light exercise, such as walking, are generally fine.

Do not attempt to flush your system by drinking excessive amounts of water, as this can overly dilute the sample. Conversely, avoid dehydration. Simply drink your usual amount of fluids in the day leading up to the test. Whenever possible, the first urine you pass after waking up is the ideal sample for a uACR test. This is because it has been concentrating in your bladder overnight, leading to a more stable and consistent measurement of albumin and creatinine levels. If a first-morning sample is not feasible, a random spot sample is still acceptable, but the first-morning void is considered the gold standard.

To prevent contamination from skin bacteria or other substances, it is important to follow the clean-catch procedure. This involves cleaning the genital area with a sterile wipe, beginning to urinate into the toilet, then moving the collection cup into the stream to collect a midstream sample, and finally finishing urination in the toilet.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have a fever, suspect you have a UTI, or are currently menstruating. This information is crucial for interpreting the test results and deciding whether the test should be postponed or repeated later. Proper preparation minimizes the influence of the temporary factors that can cause falsely elevated readings, providing a clearer picture of your baseline kidney health.

Next Steps Following an Abnormal uACR Result

High uACR Test Result

If your uACR test result is high, your healthcare provider will first seek to confirm that the result is persistent rather than a temporary fluctuation before making a definitive diagnosis. A single high reading is a call for further evaluation, not immediate alarm. The standard clinical procedure is designed to be methodical to ensure accuracy. The typical follow-up process includes several key steps:

1. Repeat Testing: The most critical first step is to repeat the uACR test. Clinical guidelines, such as those from the National Kidney Foundation, recommend that an initial abnormal result be followed by two additional tests over the next three to six months. A diagnosis of persistent albuminuria, a key indicator of chronic kidney disease (CKD), is made only if at least two of the three tests come back elevated. This multi-test approach effectively rules out the possibility that a temporary factor, like a recent intense workout, fever, or UTI, caused the initial high reading.

2. Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation: While awaiting confirmatory tests, your doctor will conduct a thorough assessment. This includes reviewing your medical history for risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease. A physical examination will be performed, with special attention paid to your blood pressure.

3. Additional Laboratory Tests: Your doctor will likely order a panel of blood tests to get a more complete picture of your kidney health. This almost always includes a serum creatinine test, which is used to calculate your estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). The eGFR provides a measure of how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood overall. Together, the uACR (a marker of kidney damage) and eGFR (a marker of kidney function) are used to stage the severity of CKD. An HbA1c test will also be ordered to assess long-term blood sugar control if diabetes is present or suspected.

4. Referral to a Specialist: Depending on the severity of the albuminuria (e.g., if it is in the severely increased range) and the complexity of your case, your primary care physician may refer you to a nephrologist, a doctor who specializes in kidney diseases, for further management.

Does a High uACR Test result Always Mean You Have Irreversible Kidney Damage?

A high uACR result, especially when detected in the moderately increased (microalbuminuria) range, does not always mean you have irreversible kidney damage. This is precisely why the test is so valuable as a screening tool. It identifies a problem at an early stage when there is a significant opportunity to intervene, slow down, halt, or in some cases, even reverse the progression of the damage. A high uACR should be viewed as a crucial wake-up call to take proactive steps to protect your kidneys.

For individuals with diabetes, which is the leading cause of CKD, intensive management of blood sugar is paramount. Studies have shown that bringing HbA1c levels down to target range can significantly decrease albuminuria and reduce the risk of kidney disease progression. In patients with hypertension, lowering blood pressure to the target goal is essential. Certain classes of blood pressure medications are particularly effective for kidney protection. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril) and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) (e.g., losartan) are first-line treatments. These drugs not only lower systemic blood pressure but also reduce the pressure inside the glomeruli, which directly decreases albumin leakage.

Additionally, comprehensive lifestyle changes play a vital role. This includes adopting a heart-healthy and kidney-friendly diet (often low in sodium), engaging in regular moderate-intensity exercise, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking. Smoking is a significant independent risk factor for the progression of kidney disease.

In recent years, new classes of drugs like SGLT2 inhibitors and nonsteroidal MRAs have shown remarkable efficacy in reducing albuminuria and protecting the kidneys in patients with diabetic kidney disease, further expanding the therapeutic options. If caught early and managed aggressively, many people can see their uACR levels decrease, sometimes even back into the normal range, demonstrating that the damage was not yet permanent.

Broader Context of Kidney Health Monitoring

The broader context of kidney health monitoring involves using a combination of diagnostic tests, including the uACR and eGFR, to assess both kidney damage and function, especially for at-risk populations who can manage their condition through targeted lifestyle interventions. Furthermore, this comprehensive approach allows clinicians to detect kidney disease in its earliest stages, track its progression, and tailor treatments to prevent or delay more severe outcomes like kidney failure.

This multifaceted strategy underscores that a single test is insufficient; a complete picture requires evaluating different aspects of renal physiology, from the integrity of the filtration barrier to the efficiency of waste clearance. By integrating various data points, healthcare providers can make more informed decisions, empowering patients with actionable insights to protect their long-term health.

The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are two cornerstone tests for assessing kidney health, but they measure fundamentally different aspects of kidney performance. The uACR is a test of kidney damage, specifically identifying leaks in the kidneys’ filtering units, the glomeruli. A healthy kidney filter prevents albumin, a vital protein, from passing from the blood into the urine. An elevated uACR indicates that this filtration barrier is compromised, allowing albumin to escape—a condition known as albuminuria. This is often one of the earliest detectable signs of kidney disease.

In contrast, the eGFR is a test of kidney function. It estimates how well the kidneys are filtering waste products, like creatinine, from the blood. Calculated from a blood creatinine level along with factors like age, sex, and race, the eGFR provides a number that corresponds to a percentage of remaining kidney function. A declining eGFR signifies that the kidneys are becoming less efficient at their primary job of cleaning the blood.

Ultimately, these two tests provide complementary information, and both are essential for a complete diagnosis and staging of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Thinking of the kidney’s filtration system as a sophisticated sieve helps clarify their roles.

Primary Groups Require Regular uACR Screening

Regular uACR screening is crucial for individuals with specific medical conditions or risk factors that make them highly susceptible to developing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). These populations are monitored proactively because early detection of kidney damage, indicated by an elevated uACR, allows for timely interventions that can slow or even halt the progression to kidney failure.

The most prominent at-risk group includes individuals with diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2. Persistently high blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, compromising the glomeruli and leading to albumin leakage. The American Diabetes Association recommends annual uACR screening for all individuals with Type 2 diabetes and for those with Type 1 diabetes for five years or more.

Another major group is people with hypertension (high blood pressure). Uncontrolled high blood pressure exerts excessive force on the arteries throughout the body, including the delicate vessels within the kidneys, causing damage over time that results in albuminuria.  Beyond these two primary conditions, several other factors place individuals at a higher risk, necessitating routine screening. For example, patients with family history of kidney disease as a genetic predisposition can significantly increase an individual’s risk, making regular monitoring a key preventive measure.

Moreover, the health of the heart and kidneys are intricately linked, as both are part of the body’s circulatory system. Conditions like heart failure or a history of heart attack are strong indicators for kidney screening. Also, kidney function naturally declines with age, and obesity contributes to risk factors like diabetes and hypertension, placing an additional strain on the kidneys.

Lifestyle Changes to Lower a High uACR Level

Making targeted lifestyle changes is a powerful strategy for managing and potentially lowering an elevated uACR, as these modifications directly address the underlying causes of kidney damage, such as high blood pressure and high blood sugar. One of the most impactful interventions is rigorous blood pressure control. Since hypertension is a leading cause of kidney damage, adopting a diet like DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy while limiting sodium, can be highly effective.

Reducing sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day helps lower blood pressure and reduce fluid retention, lessening the strain on the kidneys. Similarly, for individuals with diabetes, tight glycemic control is paramount. Consistently managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication as prescribed helps prevent further damage to the glomeruli, the tiny filters in the kidneys.

In addition to blood pressure and sugar management, several other lifestyle adjustments contribute significantly to kidney health and can help normalize uACR levels. Patients can adopt a kidney-friendly diet. This often involves monitoring protein intake, as excessive protein can be burdensome for damaged kidneys. Working with a registered dietitian is recommended to create a balanced eating plan that meets individual needs.

Also, quit smoking. Smoking damages blood vessels, reduces blood flow to the kidneys, and accelerates the progression of kidney disease. Cessation is one of the most beneficial steps for protecting kidney function. And remember to engage in regular physical activity. Aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week helps manage weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, contributing to a healthier cardiovascular system and kidneys.

Is it Possible to Have Kidney Damage with a Normal eGFR Level?

Yes, it is entirely possible, and common, to have evidence of kidney damage, such as an elevated uACR, while the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) remains within the normal range. This scenario represents the earliest stage of many forms of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often referred to as the silent phase. Kidney damage typically begins with a breakdown of the glomerular filtration barrier, the structure responsible for preventing proteins like albumin from leaking into the urine.

The uACR test is specifically designed to detect this leakage, known as albuminuria. This damage can occur long before the kidneys lose a significant amount of their overall filtering capacity. The kidneys have a remarkable ability to compensate for early damage; the remaining healthy nephrons (filtering units) can work harder to maintain a normal filtration rate, thus keeping the eGFR stable for a period.

So identifying albuminuria when eGFR is still normal allows healthcare providers to implement protective strategies, such as medications (like ACE inhibitors or ARBs), and recommend lifestyle changes to slow the disease’s progression. Also, this combination of a high uACR and normal eGFR is classified as Stage 1 or Stage 2 CKD, depending on the eGFR level, confirming the presence of kidney disease despite seemingly normal function.

For high-risk individuals, such as those with diabetes or hypertension, screening with both uACR and eGFR is critical to catch this early-stage damage and prevent the irreversible loss of kidney function that leads to a falling eGFR.

FAQs

1. What does it mean if urine microalbumin creatinine ratio is high?

A high urine microalbumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) typically indicates that your kidneys are leaking more albumin into your urine than normal. This can be an early sign of kidney damage, often seen in conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or chronic kidney disease (CKD). A higher ratio suggests that the kidneys’ filtration process is being compromised. It’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider for further testing and management to prevent the progression of kidney disease.

2. How to calculate urine albumin to creatinine ratio (uACR)?

To calculate the uACR, the amount of albumin in your urine is measured in milligrams (mg) and the amount of creatinine in your urine is measured in grams (g). The formula is:

uACR = (Urine albumin in mg) / (Urine creatinine in g)

The result gives you the ratio of albumin to creatinine in your urine, expressed as mg/g. The test is usually performed on a urine sample collected in a single void, making it a simple and effective method for detecting early kidney problems.

3. Which is better, PCR or ACR?

Both PCR (Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio) and ACR (Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio) are used to assess kidney function by measuring protein levels in urine. However, ACR is more specific and commonly used to detect early kidney damage, particularly in diabetic patients, as albumin is one of the first proteins to leak when kidneys are damaged. PCR, on the other hand, measures a broader range of proteins. For detecting early kidney disease, ACR is generally considered the more reliable test.

4. How do you fix a high urine albumin creatinine ratio?

If your uACR is high, the first step is to identify and treat the underlying cause. Common causes include diabetes, high blood pressure, or other kidney-related conditions. Managing blood sugar levels, controlling blood pressure with medications (such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs), and making lifestyle changes like improving your diet and exercising regularly can help reduce albumin leakage. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

5. How accurate is the uACR test?

The uACR test is generally accurate for detecting early kidney damage, especially in patients with conditions like diabetes and hypertension. However, factors like dehydration, exercise, or infection can affect the test results, leading to false positives. For more accurate results, it’s typically recommended to conduct multiple uACR tests over time and consider additional diagnostic tests, such as a kidney biopsy or imaging, if needed. Always consult your healthcare provider to interpret the results properly.

Conclusion

The uACR test serves as a vital tool in detecting early kidney damage, especially for those at higher risk of kidney disease due to diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems. By measuring the amount of albumin in your urine relative to creatinine, this test provides a clear snapshot of kidney function. Elevated levels can signal potential kidney damage long before symptoms appear, giving you the chance to intervene early. Regular testing and proactive management are key to preserving kidney health. Understanding what your uACR results mean can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and work with your healthcare provider to protect your kidneys for the future.

References:

• National Library of Medicine – Elevated urine albumin creatinine ratio increases cardiovascular mortality in coronary artery disease patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus: a multicenter retrospective study
• National Library of Medicine – Urinary albumin-creatinine ratio, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and all-cause mortality among US adults with obstructive lung function
• NKDEP – Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR) 
• National Institutes of Health – Albuminuria: Albumin in the Urine
• American Kidney Fund – Urine test: uACR (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio)
• National Library of Medicine – Urinary Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (uACR) Point-of-Care (POC) Device with Seamless Data Transmission for Monitoring the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease
• National Kidney Foundation – Recognizing the Importance of uACR (urine) Screening
• National Kidney Foundation – Kidney Failure Risk Factor: Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (uACR)
• National Kidney Foundation – Urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR)
• American Heart Association – MONITORING YOUR KIDNEY HEALTH WITH UACR TESTS
• KNOW YOUR KIDNEY NUMBERS: uACR Test

Read more: 9 Warning Signs of Kidney Failure You Shouldn’t Ignore