Assesses urine albumin loss by comparing albumin with creatinine in a spot urine sample.
Test summary
Test name
uACR
Abbreviations
UACR, ACR, Microalbumin/Creatinine Ratio
Category
Nephrology / Albuminuria
Panel
Kidney Damage Assessment
Specimen
Spot urine
Common units
mg/g, mg/mmol
What does the test measure?
Assesses urine albumin loss by comparing albumin with creatinine in a spot urine sample.
Why is the test ordered?
Used with eGFR to screen and monitor kidney damage, especially in people with risks such as diabetes or hypertension.
Information about a low result
A low/normal UACR generally indicates less albumin leakage, but kidney assessment should not rely on this test alone.
Information about a high result
High UACR can indicate albumin leakage from the kidneys; exercise, infection and temporary conditions can affect results, so repeat testing may be needed.
Reference and clinical context
Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, unit and specimen conditions. Numeric information on this page is stored as sourced example intervals or clinical thresholds.
Reference context 1
< 30 mg/g
Population
Adults / albuminuria classification
Age range
18
Specimen
Spot urine
A1: normal to mildly increased
This is one of the albuminuria A categories used in CKD assessment. Interpret it with eGFR and chronicity; a single abnormal measurement may need confirmation.
Reference context 2
>= 30 – <= 300 mg/g
Population
Adults / albuminuria classification
Age range
18
Specimen
Spot urine
A2: moderately increased
This is one of the albuminuria A categories used in CKD assessment. Interpret it with eGFR and chronicity; a single abnormal measurement may need confirmation.
Reference context 3
> 300 mg/g
Population
Adults / albuminuria classification
Age range
18
Specimen
Spot urine
A3: severely increased
This is one of the albuminuria A categories used in CKD assessment. Interpret it with eGFR and chronicity; a single abnormal measurement may need confirmation.
Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.
Interpretation notes
UACR and eGFR complement each other in CKD risk classification. One abnormal measurement does not prove chronic disease.
Related specialties
Nephrology
Endocrinology
Internal Medicine
Family Medicine
Frequently asked questions
No. Laboratory results are interpreted with symptoms, medical history, specimen conditions and related tests.
Start with the performing laboratory's own reference interval; clinical cutoffs, when relevant, are separate sourced thresholds used for a specific purpose.
Results that are clearly outside range, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.