Your kidneys act like filters for your blood. When they start to become damaged, one of the first signs is that small amounts of protein—called albumin—leak into your urine. A simple urine test, called the uACR test (urine albumin‑to‑creatinine ratio), can help detect early signs of kidney damage, especially for people with diabetes or high blood pressure. It’s quick, painless, and could make all the difference.
- A result under 30 mg/g is considered normal.
- A result 30 mg/g or higher may indicate kidney damage.
If your uACR is in the higher range, talk to your doctor about getting tested regularly and understanding your kidney health.
At NKFM, we’re also working closely with Community Health Workers to raise awareness about uACR screening and provide tools that support communities in managing their kidney health across Michigan.
Learn more about the importance of uACR and early detection
The test compares the amount of albumin to creatinine, a waste product your kidneys should filter out. Together with a blood test, called estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the uACR test gives a clearer picture of your kidney health. With early detection, doctors can recommend lifestyle changes or adjust medications to help slow down further kidney damage.1
But the benefits go beyond kidney health. Even small amounts of albumin in the urine can be a sign of damage to blood vessels throughout the body—not just in the kidneys. That’s why a raised uACR is also linked to a higher risk of heart disease and heart failure.2 Knowing your kidney numbers and if you’re at risk, gives you and your doctor more time to protect both your kidney and heart health.
To find out if you’re at risk for kidney disease click here to take our risk quiz.
Click here to learn more about kidney disease.
- Urine test: uACR (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio). American Kidney Fund. (2025, March 19). https://www.kidneyfund.org/resource/all-about-kidneys/tests-kidney-disease/urine-test-uacr
- Khan, M. S., Shahid, I., Anker, S. D., Fonarow, G. C., Fudim, M., Hall, M. E., Hernandez, A., Morris, A. A., Shafi, T., Weir, M. R., Zannad, F., Bakris, G. L., & Butler, J. (2023). Albuminuria and Heart Failure. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 81(3), 270–282. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2022.10.028
