urinealbuminecreatinine

Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, often abbreviated as UACR, is a laboratory test used to estimate the amount of albumin present in a urine sample. Albumin is a protein that is normally found in the blood and is filtered by the kidneys. Elevated levels of albumin in the urine, a condition known as albuminuria or proteinuria, can be an early indicator of kidney damage.

The UACR test measures both albumin and creatinine in a single urine sample. Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism and is typically excreted in the urine at a relatively constant rate. By measuring creatinine alongside albumin, the UACR normalizes for the concentration of the urine, providing a more accurate reflection of albumin excretion than a simple urine albumin test. This is because urine can be more or less concentrated depending on hydration levels, which can falsely elevate or lower the measured albumin concentration.

A normal UACR is generally considered to be less than 30 milligrams of albumin per gram of creatinine. UACR values between 30 and 300 mg/g are considered moderately elevated and may indicate microalbuminuria, while values above 300 mg/g suggest macroalbuminuria or overt proteinuria. Persistently elevated UACR is a significant risk factor for the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The UACR test is commonly used in the screening and monitoring of individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions that can affect kidney health.