Skip to content

Ethanolamine/Creatinine Ratio, Urine

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

A urine test that measures ethanolamine relative to creatinine, helping evaluate metabolite excretion while accounting for urine concentration.

Quick summary

["This ratio measures urinary ethanolamine in relation to creatinine and may help evaluate certain inherited metabolic disorders."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
28605-4
Short code
Ethanolamine/Creat Ur-Rto
Synonyms
Ethanolamine/Creat Ur-Rto
Category
kidney
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 the amount of ethanolamine, a metabolite, in urine and compares it with the amount of creatinine in the same sample. Creatinine is used as a reference to help account for variations in urine concentration.

Why might I need this test?

The test may be ordered when a clinician is evaluating symptoms or laboratory findings that suggest an inherited disorder of metabolism. It is usually interpreted with other urine, blood, and genetic tests rather than as a stand-alone diagnosis.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected as directed by the laboratory and analyzed for ethanolamine and creatinine. The laboratory then calculates the ethanolamine-to-creatinine ratio. Depending on the order, a single urine specimen or a timed collection may be used.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the laboratory's collection instructions carefully. If a 24-hour collection is requested, record all urine produced during the specified period. Inform your clinician about medications, supplements, recent illness, and major dietary changes because these may affect the result.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine Ethanolamine/Creatinine Ratio

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as an ethanol or blood alcohol test?
No. This test measures ethanolamine, a metabolite, in urine; it does not measure alcohol concentration or estimate intoxication.
Why is creatinine included in the result?
Urine concentration can vary widely. Comparing ethanolamine with creatinine helps provide a more stable measure that is less affected by how concentrated or dilute the urine is.
Does an abnormal result confirm a genetic disorder?
No. An abnormal result may support further evaluation, but diagnosis usually requires additional laboratory findings, genetic testing, and the patient's medical history.
  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