Read them together
eGFR estimates kidney filtration from a blood marker such as creatinine. Muscle mass and some medicines can affect its interpretation. ACR compares albumin with creatinine in a urine sample and helps identify albumin leaking into urine.
Albumin can appear before filtration falls. A reassuring eGFR alone therefore cannot answer every question about kidney health. The two results provide complementary information.
Ask about time
Chronic kidney disease requires an abnormality lasting at least three months. Infection, vigorous exercise or a temporary illness may change a urine result. A sudden fall in kidney function may be acute and needs a different, sometimes urgent, assessment.
What changes the plan?
Ask whether both results have been confirmed, what may have caused them and when to repeat them. Blood pressure, diabetes, medicines and cardiovascular risk guide the next step.
ACE inhibitors, ARBs and SGLT2 medicines can protect selected people. Their use and laboratory monitoring depend on the person and the indication. A result should be interpreted with your healthcare professional rather than used to change treatment on your own.