Albumin/Creatinine Ratio · high result
What does a high Albumin/Creatinine Ratio mean?
Short answer
A high urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) is the standard early marker of kidney damage: above 30 mg/g is moderately increased, above 300 severely. In people with diabetes or hypertension it is the test that triggers kidney-protective treatment, and it predicts cardiovascular risk independently. Because exercise, fever, infection and dehydration raise it briefly, a first positive is confirmed on repeat morning samples.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
When does this result need same-day care?
- ACR above ~300 mg/g with swelling, uncontrolled blood pressure or falling eGFR — prompt evaluation
What is the normal range for Albumin/Creatinine Ratio?
- age 18+: 0.000 – 30.0 mg/g
Above 30 mg/g indicates moderately increased albumin (microalbuminuria); above 300 mg/g is heavy albuminuria.
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Albumin/Creatinine Ratio biomarker page.
What are the common causes of high Albumin/Creatinine Ratio?
- Diabetic kidney disease, hypertension
- Glomerulonephritis, lupus, other kidney diseases
- Heart failure, obesity, sleep apnea
- Temporary: exercise, fever, urinary infection, dehydration, menstruation
- NSAIDs, very high blood sugar
What symptoms go with high Albumin/Creatinine Ratio?
- None at moderate levels
- Foamy urine, swelling at high levels
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Two repeat first-morning samples within 3 months
- eGFR (creatinine and cystatin C), A1c, blood pressure, urinalysis
- Clinician review for ACE inhibitor/ARB and SGLT2 inhibitor when confirmed
How do you recheck Albumin/Creatinine Ratio?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microalbumin (Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio) | Test · 3 biomarkers | $24.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
Common questions
How often should the ACR be checked?
Yearly in anyone with diabetes or hypertension; more often once it is elevated, to track response to treatment.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.