UK kidney health guide

Urine ACR and CKD: What the Albumin Result Tells You

A urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, commonly called ACR, is an important kidney test. It looks for albumin in urine (sometimes reported as urine microalbumin) and can provide evidence of kidney damage even when eGFR is not severely reduced.

Why is albumin in urine important?

Healthy kidneys normally prevent large amounts of albumin from passing into urine. Persistent albuminuria can therefore be a sign of kidney damage.

ACR can also help healthcare professionals assess kidney risk alongside eGFR.

Does one abnormal result diagnose CKD?

Not necessarily. Temporary factors can affect urine results, and clinicians may repeat testing to determine whether an abnormal finding persists.

ACR and eGFR are different

eGFR estimates filtration. ACR measures albumin loss in urine. They provide different information and are often considered together.

For someone with CKD, both the eGFR category and albuminuria category can help describe kidney disease and risk.

What should you ask?

Ask what your ACR result was, whether it needs repeating, how it fits with your eGFR and whether any treatment or monitoring is recommended.

Nisarg Ayurveda's educational content can help explain kidney terminology, while your GP or renal team should interpret your individual results.