The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) is a reliable and innovative method for monitoring the excretion of urinary albumin. ACR is calculated by dividing the albumin concentration in milligrams by creatinine concentration in grams. As a critical clinical indicator, ACR is widely used to assess kidney function and to detect kidney damage at an early stage.

Urine microalbumin is the earliest protein detected in urine following kidney damage due to its small molecular size. The ACR test provides a simple, accurate, and rapid method for detecting microalbumin in urine. Unlike the cumbersome and time-consuming 24-hour urinary protein quantification test, ACR only requires a single random urine sample (preferably a morning urine sample) for analysis. Its key advantage lies in its superior sensitivity for detecting microalbuminuria than other urine tests. This sensitivity establishes ACR as the gold standard for diagnosing microalbuminuria.

Clinical Significance of ACR

1. Diabetic Nephropathy

ACR test is an essential tool for the early screening of diabetic nephropathy. Prolonged hyperglycemia in diabetes patients can damage the glomerular filtration membrane, leading to increased albumin leakage. Regular monitoring of ACR facilitates the early detection of diabetic nephropathy, enabling timely intervention and helping physicians track disease progression.

2. Hypertensive Kidney Disease

Chronic hypertension is associated with progressive glomerular damage, causing increased albumin leakage. ACR is valuable for the early identification of kidney damage caused by hypertension. Elevated ACR not only reflects impaired kidney function but is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

3. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

ACR is a critical parameter for staging chronic kidney disease (CKD). Combined with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), it helps classify CKD into different stages, aiding physicians in formulating personalized treatment plans.

4. Cardiovascular Diseases

Studies have shown that individuals with elevated ACR levels have a significantly higher risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke. ACR testing can assist physicians in evaluating cardiovascular risk and devising more effective treatment strategies.

5. Pregnancy and Routine Pregnancy Examinations

ACR plays a significant role in diagnosing pregnancy-induced hypertension and early diabetic nephropathy during pregnancy. It is recommended that pregnant women undergo ACR testing. Routine pregnancy checkups should include ACR as part of comprehensive kidney function assessment, even in the absence of apparent risk factors, given the often asymptomatic and insidious onset of early kidney disease.

Target Population for ACR Test

ACR monitoring is recommended for the following groups:

1. Individuals with diabetic nephropathy

1. Individuals with hypertension
2. Individuals with pregnancy-induced hypertension or kidney damage
3. Individuals at high risk for cardiovascular disease and kidney disease
4. Individuals undergoing routine health checkups

Reference Range for ACR

Technical Advantages of the JIEZILAB’s ACR Test Kit

      1. Various Sample Types

  Suitable for random, timed, or 24-hour urine samples.

       2. High Precision

      Urine microalbumin: CV < 5%

      Urine creatinine: CV < 2%

       3. Wide Linear Range

      Urine microalbumin: 4–300 mg/L

      Urine creatinine: 0.5–35 mmol/L

       4. Excellent Clinical Correlation

       Reliable and consistent results when compared with clinical benchmarks.

       5. Rapid Detection

      Results are available in 12 minutes.

       6. Flexible Throughput

      Capable of processing 1-6 samples per run.

If your medical institution aims to enhance diagnostic efficiency and stay at the forefront of kidney health diagnostics, JIEZILAB is ready to assist. Contact us today at info@jiezlab.com or 0086-400-002-0030 for more information on our products.