9/22/2018 Know Your Kidney Numbers: Two Simple Tests | National Kidney Foundation

A TO Z HEALTH GUIDE

Know Your Kidney Numbers: Two

Simple Tests

https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/know-your-kidney-numbers-two-simple-tests 1/2
9/22/2018 Know Your Kidney Numbers: Two Simple Tests | National Kidney Foundation

Did you know one in three American adults is at risk for kidney disease? Anyone can get
kidney disease at any time. If kidney disease is found and treated early, you can help
slow or even stop it from getting worse. Most people with early kidney disease do not
have symptoms. That is why it is important to be tested. Know your kidney numbers!

Your kidney numbers include 2 tests: ACR (Albumin to Creatinine Ratio) and GFR
(glomerular ltration rate). GFR is a measure of kidney function and is performed
through a blood test. Your GFR will determine what stage of kidney disease you have –
there are 5 stages. Know your stage.ACR is a urine test to see how much albumin (a type
of protein) is in your urine. Too much albumin in your urine is an early sign of kidney
damage.

Urine Test called ACR. ACR stands for “albumin-to-creatinine ratio.” Your urine
will be tested for albumin. Albumin is a type of protein. Your body needs protein.
But it should be in the blood, not the urine. Having protein in your urine may
mean that your kidneys are not ltering your blood well enough. This can be a
sign of early kidney disease. If your urine test comes back “positive” for protein,
the test should be repeated to con rm the results. Three positive results over
three months or more is a sign of kidney disease.
Blood Test to estimate your GFR. Your blood will be tested for a waste product
called creatinine. Creatinine comes from muscle tissue. When the kidneys are
damaged, they have trouble removing creatinine from your blood. Testing for
creatinine is only the rst step. Next, your creatinine result is used in a math
formula with your age, race, and sex to nd out your glomerular ltration rate
(GFR). Your GFR number tells your healthcare provider how well your kidneys are
working. Check with your doctor about having a GFR test.

Here are some tips for talking with your doctor about your kidney health at your annual
physical.

Date Reviewed:  January 30, 2017

The information shared on our websites is information developed solely from internal experts on the subject matter,
including medical advisory boards, who have developed guidelines for our patient content. This material does not constitute
medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. No one associated with the National Kidney Foundation will
answer medical questions via e-mail. Please consult a physician for speci c treatment recommendations.

https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/know-your-kidney-numbers-two-simple-tests 2/2