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Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

Measures urine albumin relative to creatinine, helping screen for kidney damage and albumin loss in the urine.

Quick summary

["An elevated urine ACR can be an early sign of kidney disease, especially with diabetes or high blood pressure."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
79623-5
Short code
A-AIB/Creat Ur-sRto
Synonyms
A-AIB/Creat Ur-sRto
Category
liver
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, or ACR, compares the amount of albumin in your urine with the amount of creatinine. Creatinine is a waste product used to account for how concentrated the urine is.

Why might I need this test?

This test is commonly used to screen for kidney damage in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions that may affect the kidneys. It can detect albumin loss before noticeable changes in kidney function appear.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and tested in the laboratory. The laboratory measures albumin and creatinine and calculates the albumin-to-creatinine ratio.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow your clinician's instructions about the type and timing of urine collection. Tell the laboratory if you have a urinary tract infection, recent fever, or unusual exercise, because these can temporarily affect the result.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine ACR

Frequently asked questions

What does a urine ACR measure?
It measures the amount of albumin in urine relative to the amount of creatinine. This helps determine whether your kidneys may be leaking abnormal amounts of albumin.
Is a urine ACR the same as a 24-hour urine protein test?
No. A urine ACR is usually calculated from a single urine sample, while a 24-hour urine test measures the total amount of a substance collected over a full day.
Does an abnormal urine ACR mean I have kidney failure?
No. An abnormal ACR can be an early sign of kidney disease, but it does not by itself diagnose kidney failure. Your clinician will interpret it with kidney function tests, medical history, and other examinations.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy