Proteinuria and ACR
ACR is the Albumin Creatinine Ratio - this is a sensitive method to detect small amounts of albumin (protein) in the urine. Proteinuria and microalbuminuria are both signs of renal involvement in the disease process, and risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
It is also used in diabetes monitoring. Initial confirmation of microalbuminuria based on at least 2 of 3 specimens with ACR > 3.5 for men, and ACR > 2.5 for women
Also send MSU for culture to exclude infection and stick test the urine for haematuria
What does it mean?
An ACR > 30 mg/mmol is a positive value for proteinuria and > 70 usually requires investigation.
A value of 30 - 70 should be confirmed using an early morning sample of urine
What should I do now about a positive result?
If suspect Nephrotic syndrome (ACR > 250 and low serum albumin) - urgent referral
New finding of eGFR 30 - 59
New finding eGFR < 30
Diabetic microalbuminuria guidelines