Albumin/Creatinine Ratio, Urine

CPT Code(s):
82043

Turnaround Time:
8 hours

Specimen Requirements

Preferred Specimen:
Urine

Minimum Volume:
5.0 mL

Transport Container:
Yellow Top Urine Tube or Plastic Urine Cup

Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature

Collection Instructions:
Collect random urine without preservatives.

Rejection Criteria:
Unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and request label; specimen in expired transport container; specimen received after prolonged delay; specimen in nonsterile or leaking container.

Stability Criteria

Room Temperature:
7 days

Refrigerated:
7 days

Frozen:
7 days

Clinical Significance

The urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) is a test that measures the amount of albumin, a type of protein, relative to the amount of creatinine, a waste product, in a urine sample. This ratio is often used as a marker of kidney function and as an indicator of potential kidney damage or disease. Here are some of its clinical significances:

1. **Detection of Kidney Disease**: A higher than normal ACR can indicate kidney damage, especially in the early stages when symptoms may not yet be apparent. It's commonly used to detect conditions such as diabetic nephropathy and hypertensive nephropathy.

2. **Diabetes Management**: In individuals with diabetes, an elevated ACR can be a sign of diabetic kidney disease (nephropathy). Regular monitoring of ACR helps in assessing the progression of kidney damage and adjusting treatment plans accordingly.

3. **Cardiovascular Risk Assessment**: Elevated ACR has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, independent of other risk factors. It can serve as a marker for increased cardiovascular risk in individuals with or without diabetes.

4. **Prognostic Indicator**: A high ACR is associated with an increased risk of progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and other adverse outcomes, including cardiovascular events and mortality.

5. **Monitoring Treatment Response**: A decreasing ACR over time may indicate a positive response to treatment, such as medications to control blood pressure and blood glucose levels, lifestyle changes, or interventions to manage kidney disease.

6. **Assessment of Renal Function**: In addition to ACR, other markers such as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are used to assess kidney function comprehensively. A combination of ACR and eGFR provides valuable information about kidney health.

Regular monitoring of ACR, especially in individuals with diabetes, hypertension, or other risk factors for kidney disease, is essential for early detection and management of kidney damage. If ACR levels are consistently elevated, healthcare providers may recommend further evaluation and interventions to protect kidney function and reduce the risk of complications.