Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio
The Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio (ACR) test detects small amounts of albumin in urine. It is used to identify early kidney damage before blood tests become abnormal.
Turnaround time
1-2 days
Biomarkers count
1
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Details about Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio
What is the Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio test?
The Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio (ACR) test measures the amount of albumin leaking into the urine relative to creatinine concentration. Albumin is a protein that should normally remain in the bloodstream.
Even small increases in urine albumin can indicate early kidney damage, particularly in conditions affecting kidney filtration. Using the albumin-to-creatinine ratio corrects for urine concentration, making results more accurate than albumin measurement alone.
This test is a key marker for detecting early kidney disease and monitoring progression over time.
Why do I need a Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio test?
Kidney damage often develops silently and may not cause symptoms until advanced stages. ACR testing allows early detection and intervention.
You may need this test if you:
- Have diabetes
- Have high blood pressure
- Have cardiovascular disease
- Have a family history of kidney disease
- Are monitoring known kidney impairment
- Have abnormal kidney blood test results
- Require routine kidney screening
- Are at risk of metabolic syndrome
Testing helps identify kidney damage at an early, potentially reversible stage.
Benefits of the test
- Detects early kidney damage
Identifies microalbuminuria before symptoms appear. - Essential for diabetes monitoring
Key test for diabetic kidney disease screening. - Supports blood pressure management
Identifies kidney effects of hypertension. - More accurate than urine albumin alone
Corrects for urine concentration variability. - Non-invasive testing
Requires only a urine sample. - Useful for disease progression monitoring
Tracks changes over time. - Improves risk stratification
Helps assess cardiovascular and renal risk. - Widely recommended in clinical guidelines
Standard kidney screening marker.
Step-by-step: How we offer testing
Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)
- Choose your nearest UK clinic
- Provide a urine sample
- Sample sent to the laboratory
- Results are issued once analysis is complete
Home or hotel collection (+£60, UK-wide)
- Urine collection kit provided
- Sample collected at home or hotel
- Sample returned for laboratory analysis
Your results explained
Normal ACR
- Minimal albumin in urine
- UK standard (typical): <3 mg/mmol
- Suggests normal kidney filtration
Moderately increased ACR (microalbuminuria)
- Mild albumin leakage
- UK standard: 3–30 mg/mmol
- Indicates early kidney damage
Severely increased ACR (macroalbuminuria)
- Significant protein leakage
- UK standard: >30 mg/mmol
- Suggests established kidney disease
Results should be interpreted alongside blood kidney tests and clinical context.
How It Works
Simple steps to get your results
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Attend one of our UK or London clinics, arrange a home nurse visit, or use a finger-prick kit where available.
Get Your Results
Your sample is analysed by accredited UK laboratories, with secure results delivered directly to you.
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WhatsApp UsHow to Prepare for Your Test
Follow these guidelines for accurate results
Sample Timing
Where possible, attend your blood test between 7am and 12pm. Please wait until any short-term illness or infection has fully resolved before testing. Avoid intense exercise for 24–48 hours beforehand, as this can affect certain markers.
Fasting & Hydration
Fasting is not always required, but some tests may recommend it. If fasting is advised, avoid food for 8–12 hours before your appointment and drink water only. Stay well hydrated, as this helps with sample collection and accuracy.
Medications & Supplements
Continue prescribed medications unless advised otherwise by your clinician. Avoid vitamin, mineral, or biotin supplements for at least 24–48 hours before your test, as these can interfere with results. If you are unsure about any medication or supplement, please let us know before your appointment.
Hormones & Menstrual Cycle
For hormone-related tests, timing within your menstrual cycle may be important. If relevant, follow any specific guidance provided on your test page.
If you have any questions or special circumstances, our team is happy to advise before your appointment.