Alpha-Aminobutyric Acid/Creatinine Ratio, 24-Hour Urine
Measures alpha-aminobutyric acid relative to creatinine in urine collected for 24 hours to help assess protein metabolism and nutritional status.
["This 24-hour urine test provides information about protein metabolism and nutritional status."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 28609-6
- Short code
- A-Aminobutyr/Creat 24h Ur-Rto
- Synonyms
- A-Aminobutyr/Creat 24h Ur-Rto
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures alpha-aminobutyric acid, a compound related to amino acid and protein metabolism, compared with creatinine in a 24-hour urine collection. The ratio helps account for differences in urine concentration and may be used to evaluate nutritional status.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test as part of an assessment of protein intake, nutritional balance, or recovery from illness. It may also be used alongside other laboratory and clinical findings when evaluating how the body is handling protein.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine for 24 hours in a labeled container provided by the laboratory. The laboratory measures alpha-aminobutyric acid and creatinine in the collection and calculates their ratio.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions exactly, including the starting and ending times. Do not change your usual diet or fluid intake unless your clinician specifically instructs you to do so, and tell the laboratory if any urine is missed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A higher ratio may occur with increased protein metabolism, greater protein intake, recovery from tissue injury, or certain other conditions. A lower ratio may be associated with inadequate protein intake or impaired protein synthesis. Results should be interpreted with diet, medical history, medications, and other laboratory tests because this ratio alone does not diagnose a specific condition.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Alpha-Aminobutyric Acid/Creatinine Ratio
Frequently asked questions
Why is a 24-hour urine collection needed?
Does this test show whether I am getting enough protein?
What if I miss part of the urine collection?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy