uACR: The Gold Standard for Kidney Disease Urine Testing

Patients with diabetes need both an eGFR* and a uACR^† test at least once annually to monitor for chronic kidney disease. uACR is the preferred urine test because it quantifies albumin (a specific marker of glomerular injury) while correcting for urine concentration using creatinine, making a spot sample accurate and comparable to 24‑hour collections. It is more sensitive than dipstick testing, detecting early albuminuria that would otherwise be missed, enabling earlier kidney disease identification and risk stratification.

The test works by measuring urine albumin and creatinine in the same sample and reporting the ratio, which approximates daily albumin excretion and reduces variability from hydration status. 

Sample CPT codes

To close gaps for the Kidney Health Evaluation for Patients With Diabetes measure: