Spot ACR vs 24 hour urine ACR tests

Guys,

What's the difference here please and significance. Obviously the spot test is easier and quicker.

Help appreciated

[Jonquiljo]

Spot urine test is done from a single sample. You go to a lab, fill up a cup, and they give you an ACR determination.

A 24 hour test involves your filling a (big) jug all day as you urinate. The jug is turned in to the lab, and ACR is determined in terms of albumin and creatinine (ACR) over 24 hours. This is a rate determination.

The 24 hour test used to be the standard in terms of ACR testing. It still is. But now labs have gotten good at determining precise albumin and creatinine values. A spot test is considered a good approximation of a 24 hour determination, and compliance is higher.

I guess people don't like walking around with a jug of urine all day!