What is a creatinine ratio, and how is it used?

The creatinine ratio is often used in combination with other tests, such as albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) or protein-to-creatinine ratio (PCR), to assess kidney function. These ratios help determine how much protein or albumin is leaking into the urine, which is a sign of kidney damage. A high albumin-to-creatinine ratio may indicate chronic kidney disease (CKD) or proteinuria, a condition where excess protein is present in the urine. Your doctor will use these ratios to evaluate the severity of kidney damage and monitor disease progression.