UACR Test - (Albumin/Creatinine Ratio, Urine)

What does the UACR Test measure?

The UACR test evaluates your kidney health by measuring specific substances in your urine:

• Albumin levels - A protein that should normally stay in your blood, not leak into urine.
• Creatinine levels - A waste product from muscle breakdown that the kidneys filter consistently.
• Albumin-to-creatinine ratio - Compares these two substances to provide an accurate kidney function assessment.
• Early kidney damage detection - Identifies problems before symptoms appear.
• Treatment effectiveness monitoring - Tracks how well medications are protecting your kidneys.

UACR Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done

What symptoms may call for a UACR test?

Early kidney disease often shows no symptoms, but your doctor may recommend this test if you experience:

• Swelling in your legs, feet, ankles, or around the eyes.
• Foamy or bubbly urine
• Increased tiredness or fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Unexplained nausea or vomiting

Who should get a UACR test?

Regular UACR screening is recommended for people at higher risk of kidney disease:

• People with diabetes (Type 1 or 2) - High blood sugar can damage kidney filters over time.
• Individuals with high blood pressure - Hypertension strains the kidney blood vessels.
• Those with a family history of kidney disease - Genetic factors increase your risk.
• Adults over 60 years - Age naturally increases kidney disease risk.
• People with cardiovascular disease - Heart and kidney problems are often linked.
• Overweight or obese individuals - Excess weight is a known risk factor for kidney diseases.

Why is a UACR test done?

The UACR test is done to screen for, detect, and monitor kidney damage at its earliest, most treatable stage, primarily in individuals at high risk for chronic kidney disease.

Importance of a UACR Test

The UACR test plays a crucial role in protecting your kidney health. Early detection through this test allows doctors to start treatments that can slow down or even stop kidney disease progression, helping preserve your kidney function for longer.

The test results guide important treatment decisions, such as prescribing specific blood pressure medications that protect your kidneys, recommending better blood sugar control, and suggesting lifestyle changes. Regular monitoring with UACR testing shows whether treatments are working effectively, giving you and your doctor confidence in your care plan.

UACR Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to book a UACR test?

1. Simple Online Booking
   Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select UACR Test, choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a urine test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists ensure the timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is processed at our NABL- & CAP-accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is home sample collection for the UACR test available near you?

Yes, Metropolis Healthcare offers home sample collection for the UACR test. Our trained phlebotomists visit your home at your preferred time, ensuring safe and hygienic sample collection. This service eliminates the need for hospital visits, making it especially helpful for elderly patients or those with mobility concerns.

How long does it take to get a UACR test report?

Reports are usually available within the same day by 5:00 PM once the sample reaches the lab.

Note: Reporting time may vary depending on your location.

Where can I see or get UACR test results?

Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.

Interpreting UACR Test Results

The following table helps you understand what your UACR test results mean:

Conditions that May Affect UACR Test Accuracy

Several factors can influence your UACR test results and should be discussed with your doctor:

• Exercise within 24 hours - Strenuous physical activity can temporarily increase albumin levels
• Menstruation or pregnancy - Hormonal changes may affect protein levels in urine
• Urinary tract infections or fever - Active infections can cause temporary protein elevation
• Severe dehydration - Concentrated urine may alter the albumin-to-creatinine ratio
• Marked hyperglycaemia - Very high blood sugar can temporarily affect results
• Cardiac decompensation or severe hypertension - Heart problems may influence kidney function
• Poor metabolic control - Uncontrolled diabetes can impact accurate readings

How is a UACR Test Done?

The UACR test is a simple, non-invasive procedure that involves collecting a urine sample:

• You'll receive a sterile, leak-proof container for sample collection.
• A clean-catch midstream urine sample is preferred to prevent contamination.
• Collect approximately 10 ml of spot urine at any time of day.
• The sample is then sent to the pathology lab for analysis.
• Reports are usually available within the same day by 5:00 PM once the sample reaches the lab.

How Should You Prepare for a UACR Test?

Preparing for your UACR test is straightforward with minimal requirements:

• No fasting required - You can eat and drink normally before providing the urine sample.
• Avoid strenuous exercise - Refrain from intense physical activity for 24 hours before the test.
• Continue regular medications - Do not stop prescribed medications unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
• Maintain normal fluid intake - Stay adequately hydrated but avoid excessive water consumption.
• Inform about medical conditions - Tell your doctor about any ongoing infections, fever, or health conditions.

Diseases that a UACR Test Can Help Detect

The UACR test is valuable in identifying several kidney-related conditions:

• Diabetic nephropathy - Kidney damage caused by diabetes complications
• Hypertensive nephrosclerosis - Kidney damage from chronic high blood pressure
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) - Progressive loss of kidney function over time
• Early-stage kidney disease - Damage before symptoms become apparent
• Cardiovascular disease risk - High UACR levels indicate increased heart disease risk
• Albuminuria - Abnormal protein leakage into urine, indicating kidney filter damage

UACR Test/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare

Metropolis Healthcare offers comprehensive testing options that include the UACR test as part of broader health screening or some full body checkup packages:

UACR Test Prices in Different Cities

The cost of a UACR test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate prices in different cities.