Skip to content

Alkaline Phosphatase/Creatinine Ratio, Random Urine

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A urine test that measures alkaline phosphatase relative to creatinine, helping account for urine concentration. It may be used to assess bone turnover.

Quick summary

["This calculated urine ratio can help evaluate bone turnover, but results must be interpreted with your age, health history, and other tests."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
86224-3
Short code
Alpraz/Creat Ur Cfm
Synonyms
Alpraz/Creat Ur Cfm
Category
liver
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Ref low
44
Ref high
147
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
confirm
CPT
84075
SNOMED
27550007
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 alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and creatinine in a urine sample and calculates their ratio. ALP is an enzyme found in several body tissues, including bone, while creatinine is used to help account for how concentrated the urine is.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order this test to help evaluate bone formation and breakdown. It may be useful in the assessment of disorders that affect bone mineralization, bone turnover, or bone growth.

How is the test performed?

A random urine sample is collected and tested in the laboratory. The laboratory measures ALP and creatinine and reports the calculated ratio, sometimes called the urine ALP/creatinine ratio.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the collection instructions provided by your laboratory or healthcare professional. A random urine sample usually does not require fasting, but unusual fluid intake, urine contamination, or an incomplete collection can affect the result.

Reference range

Adult: 44-147 U/LN/A

Specimen: urine

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine alkaline phosphatase/creatinine ratio

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as a serum alkaline phosphatase test?
No. This test uses a urine sample and compares urinary alkaline phosphatase with urine creatinine. A serum ALP test measures alkaline phosphatase in blood.
Why is creatinine included in the result?
Creatinine helps show how concentrated the urine is. Including it makes the ALP result more comparable between samples, particularly when urine concentration may vary.
Does an abnormal result diagnose a bone disorder by itself?
No. An abnormal ratio can suggest increased or reduced bone turnover, but it is not specific for one condition. Your clinician will interpret it with your medical history, examination, and other laboratory tests.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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