Interpret Your Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (Spot) Results
Enter your ACR value below and get an instant, free AI interpretation — a plain-English explanation checked against WHO/IFCC reference ranges.
Medical Disclaimer
This AI-generated interpretation is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results may vary based on individual health factors not captured here.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions. Read full disclaimer →
Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (Spot) Normal Ranges
The Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR), measured on a spot (random) urine sample, is the preferred test for detecting and quantifying urine albumin excretion in clinical practice.
| Reference Range | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 30 | mg/g | Normal (A1 category) |
| 30 – 300 | mg/g | Moderately increased (A2) — formerly microalbuminuria |
| 300 – 9999 | mg/g | Severely increased (A3) — formerly macroalbuminuria |
Also reported in: mg/mmol.
Why Doctors Order the Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (Spot) Test
ACR is the most important test for detecting early kidney disease in diabetes and hypertension. Microalbuminuria (ACR 30–300 mg/g, formerly called "microalbuminuria") is the earliest detectable sign of diabetic nephropathy and indicates glomerular endothelial damage.
How to Enter Your ACR Result
Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (Spot) can be reported in mg/g or mg/mmol. Choose the unit printed next to your result on the lab report so it is compared with the matching reference range.
What a Low or High ACR Can Be Associated With
Below the reference range
- ACR <30 mg/g is normal — represents healthy glomerular filtration barrier function
Above the reference range
- Diabetic nephropathy (most common cause of elevated ACR)
- Hypertensive kidney disease
- Glomerulonephritis (any cause)
- Lupus nephritis
- Pre-eclampsia in pregnancy
These are common associations, not a diagnosis. A single result is read alongside your symptoms, history and other tests — discuss it with your doctor.
What Can Change Your ACR Result
Before you read too much into a result, consider whether any of these applied:
- Vigorous exercise within 24 hours falsely raises ACR — always test on rest day
- UTI and fever transiently raise ACR — retest after resolution
- Highly concentrated or dilute urine samples affect ratio accuracy (extreme hydration or dehydration)
- Orthostatic proteinuria (benign, mainly in young adults) — collect first morning specimen lying flat to avoid
Preparing for the test: A first morning midstream urine sample is preferred (minimizes the effect of orthostatic proteinuria and exercise). Collect on a day without vigorous exercise.
Symptoms That Often Prompt ACR Testing
- Microalbuminuria (ACR 30–300): typically asymptomatic
- Macroalbuminuria (ACR >300): may develop foamy urine, ankle edema, hypertension
- Nephrotic-range proteinuria (ACR >3000): edema, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, increased thrombosis risk
Want the full clinical guide to Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (Spot)?
Reference ranges, causes, symptoms, preparation, and FAQs.