Urine Creatinine to Albumin Ratio (UACR) or Urinary Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR)
This test measures the ratio of albumin (a protein) and creatinine (a waste product) in your urine to help assess kidney function and detect early kidney damage.
["Helps monitor kidney health and identify kidney disease risk early."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35988-5
- Short code
- XR tomo Femur-L
- Synonyms
- XR tomo Femur-L
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- xr-tomography
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like swelling, frequent urination, or high blood pressure, or if you have conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure that increase kidney risk. It’s also used to check kidney function before certain treatments or surgeries.
What Does the Test Measure?
The test compares the amount of albumin (a small protein) and creatinine (a waste product filtered by the kidneys) in your urine. High albumin levels relative to creatinine may signal kidney damage or disease, while normal levels suggest healthy kidney function.
How Is the Test Performed?
You’ll collect a urine sample in a clean container at home or in a lab. The sample is then sent to a lab for testing using a method that detects both albumin and creatinine levels.
What Are the Results?
Results are typically reported as a ratio (e.g., mg/g). A higher ratio may indicate kidney issues, while a lower ratio suggests normal kidney function. Your doctor will interpret results based on your overall health and medical history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: This test is critical for early detection of kidney problems, especially in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease. It helps guide treatment plans to slow or prevent kidney damage.
Short name
UACR
Frequently asked questions
What does a high UACR result mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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