Introduction
If you’ve been to the doctor recently and they’ve recommended an albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) test, you may be wondering what it is and why it’s necessary. This test is often used to screen for kidney damage and is a simple urine test that measures the amount of albumin and creatinine in your urine. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ACR test procedure and what you can expect.
What is Albumin Creatinine Ratio?
Albumin and creatinine are two substances that are found in your urine. Albumin is a protein that is produced by the liver and is normally filtered out by the kidneys. Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by your muscles and is also filtered out by your kidneys. The ACR test measures the amount of albumin relative to the amount of creatinine in your urine.
Why is ACR Test Necessary?
An ACR test is often recommended if you have risk factors for kidney disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney disease. It can also be used to monitor kidney function in people who already have kidney disease.
How is ACR Test Performed?
The ACR test is a simple urine test that can be done in your doctor’s office or at a lab. You will be given a sterile container to collect your urine sample in. You will need to provide a midstream sample, which means you will need to start urinating into the toilet, then stop, and then collect the rest of your urine in the container.
What to Expect During ACR Test?
You may be asked to avoid certain medications or dietary supplements before the test, as they can affect the results. You may also be asked to drink more fluids than usual before the test to ensure that you can provide a large enough urine sample.
How are the Results Interpreted?
The results of the ACR test are usually reported in milligrams of albumin per gram of creatinine (mg/g). Normal results are usually less than 30 mg/g. Higher levels of albumin in your urine can indicate kidney damage, and your doctor may recommend further tests or treatment if your results are abnormal.
Conclusion
The albumin creatinine ratio test is a simple urine test that can provide important information about your kidney function. If you have risk factors for kidney disease or have been diagnosed with kidney disease, your doctor may recommend this test to monitor your kidney function. If you have any questions about the ACR test procedure or the results, be sure to talk to your doctor.