Albumin is a protein that should normally be present in urine only in very small amounts.

Creatinine is a waste product excreted at a relatively constant rate, used to normalize albumin levels.

The ACR test provides a more accurate measure of albumin excretion than a single urine albumin test.

Clinical uses include:

Detecting microalbuminuria, an early sign of kidney disease.

Monitoring patients with diabetes, hypertension, or chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Assessing risk of progressive renal damage.

The test is performed using a spot urine sample (random or first morning).

Analyte: Ratio of albumin (mg) to creatinine (g) in urine.

Normal Range:

Men: < 17 mg/g

Women: < 25 mg/g

Abnormal Findings:

Microalbuminuria: 30 – 300 mg/g → early kidney damage.

Macroalbuminuria: > 300 mg/g → significant kidney disease.

Clinical Use:

Provides a sensitive marker for early diabetic nephropathy.

Helps monitor renal function in hypertensive patients.

Guides treatment decisions to prevent progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).