Kidney disease often progresses silently, with symptoms appearing only when significant damage has already occurred. Butearly detection can change the outcome, and asimple urine ACR testis emerging as a powerful tool to do just that. This test measures thealbumin‑to‑creatinine ratio (ACR)in a spot urine sample to detect even tiny amounts of protein leaking into the urine—a key early sign of kidney stress or damage long before symptoms surface or blood tests become abnormal.
Medical experts explain that standardKidney Function Tests (KFT)based on serum creatinine often miss early kidney damage. By the time creatinine levels rise, the kidneys may already have lost60 % or more of their function, making it harder to intervene early. In contrast, the urine ACR test canidentify kidney issues up to five years earlier, especially in people with risk factors likediabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease.
Since the test costs roughlyRs 300–700in many Indian cities, it is an accessible choice for annual screening, especially for high‑risk individuals. Detecting kidney damage at an early stage enables lifestyle changes, targeted treatment, and closer monitoring — all of which canslow progression, reduce complications, and help avoid costly treatments like dialysis later in life.
