Skip to content

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/Creatinine Ratio, Urine

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

Measures urinary gamma-aminobutyric acid relative to creatinine, helping account for differences in urine concentration.

Quick summary

["This urine test measures GABA relative to creatinine and is interpreted alongside other clinical and laboratory findings."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
13695-2
Short code
GABA/Creat Ur
Synonyms
GABA/Creat Ur
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?

Gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, is a signaling molecule in the nervous system. This test measures the amount of GABA in urine relative to the amount of creatinine, a waste product commonly used to account for urine concentration.

Why might I need this test?

This test may be used in the evaluation of certain neurological or metabolic conditions involving GABA metabolism. It is usually interpreted with symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory results.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and analyzed in a laboratory. The GABA and creatinine measurements are used to calculate the GABA-to-creatinine ratio.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the urine-collection instructions provided by your healthcare professional, including whether a timed collection is required. Tell your clinician about GABA supplements or products that contain them, and do not stop prescribed medicines without medical advice.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urinary GABA-to-creatinine ratio

Frequently asked questions

What does the urine GABA-to-creatinine ratio measure?
It compares the amount of GABA in urine with the amount of creatinine. Creatinine helps adjust the result for variations in how concentrated the urine is.
Do I need to collect all of my urine for this test?
That depends on the instructions from your healthcare professional. Some tests require a single urine sample, while others require urine collected over a specified period.
Can GABA supplements affect the result?
They may affect urinary GABA levels. Tell your clinician about any GABA-containing supplements or other relevant products before the test.
  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 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.

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