Alpha-Aminobutyric Acid/Creatinine Ratio, Urine
This urine test measures alpha-aminobutyric acid relative to creatinine, helping assess urinary amino acid excretion and adjust for urine concentration.
["The result can help identify increased urinary amino acid loss but must be interpreted with other clinical and laboratory findings."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26919-1
- Short code
- A-Aminobutyr/Creat Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- A-Aminobutyr/Creat Ur-sRto
- 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, an amino acid, in urine and compares it with creatinine, a waste product commonly used to account for differences in urine concentration. The result is reported as a ratio.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered as part of an evaluation for a suspected inherited amino acid metabolism or transport disorder. It can also help clinicians assess amino acid loss in the urine while considering kidney function and other laboratory results.
How is the test performed?
A urine specimen is collected according to the instructions provided by the healthcare professional or laboratory. The laboratory measures alpha-aminobutyric acid and creatinine in the sample and calculates their ratio.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions exactly, including any fasting or timed-collection requirements. If a 24-hour collection is requested, collect all urine for the specified period and follow the laboratory's storage and transport guidance.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A higher-than-expected ratio may indicate increased urinary amino acid excretion, which can occur with some inherited metabolism or transport disorders and may be influenced by urine concentration and kidney function. Results should be interpreted using the laboratory's reference information, collection method, age, medications, and other relevant findings. This ratio alone does not establish a specific diagnosis.
Short name
Urine alpha-aminobutyric acid/creatinine ratio
Frequently asked questions
What does an elevated alpha-aminobutyric acid/creatinine ratio mean?
Why is the result reported as a ratio?
Do I need to collect urine for 24 hours?
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