1. What is the ACR Ratio?

The ACR (Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio) is a urine test that measures the amount of albumin (a protein) compared to creatinine in a urine sample. It is used to detect early kidney damage, particularly in people with diabetes or hypertension.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the ACR equation:

Where:

• \( Albumin \) — Urine albumin concentration (mg/dL)
• \( Creatinine \) — Urine creatinine concentration (g/dL)

Explanation: The ratio normalizes albumin excretion to creatinine excretion, accounting for variations in urine concentration.

3. Importance of ACR Calculation

Details: ACR is a sensitive marker for early kidney disease. Elevated levels indicate increased albumin excretion (albuminuria), which is a sign of kidney damage. Regular monitoring helps in early detection and management of kidney disease.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter albumin in mg/dL and creatinine in g/dL. Both values must be greater than zero. The result is expressed in mg/g, which is the standard unit for ACR.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are normal ACR values?
A: Normal ACR is less than 30 mg/g. 30-300 mg/g indicates moderately increased albuminuria (microalbuminuria), and above 300 mg/g indicates severely increased albuminuria (macroalbuminuria).

Q2: Why use ACR instead of just measuring albumin?
A: Using the ratio corrects for variations in urine concentration, making the test more reliable than measuring albumin alone.

Q3: When should ACR be measured?
A: It should be measured in people with diabetes annually, and in people with hypertension or other risk factors for kidney disease as recommended by their healthcare provider.

Q4: Are there factors that can affect ACR results?
A: Yes, factors such as vigorous exercise, urinary tract infections, fever, and certain medications can temporarily increase albumin excretion.

Q5: What should I do if my ACR is high?
A: Consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. High ACR may require additional tests and lifestyle or medication changes to protect kidney function.