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Glutamate/Creatinine Ratio, 24-Hour Urine

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

Measures the amount of glutamate relative to creatinine in urine collected over 24 hours to assess urinary glutamate excretion.

Quick summary

["This test evaluates how much glutamate is being excreted in the urine compared with creatinine."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
56644-8
Short code
Glutamate/Creat 24h Ur-Rto
Synonyms
Glutamate/Creat 24h 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 24-hour urine test measures glutamate and creatinine and calculates their ratio. Creatinine helps account for urine concentration, making the result more useful than a single urine measurement.

Why might I need this test?

The test may be used to evaluate urinary glutamate excretion, particularly when evaluating kidney handling of amino acids or investigating an unexplained abnormality on urine testing.

How is the test performed?

You collect all urine for a full 24-hour period in the container provided by the laboratory. The laboratory measures glutamate and creatinine and calculates the ratio from the collected specimen.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the laboratory's 24-hour urine collection instructions, including the start and finish times, storage requirements, and how to record any missed collections. Do not change your diet or medications unless your clinician specifically advises you to do so.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

A higher ratio may reflect increased urinary glutamate excretion or reduced creatinine excretion. This can occur in different clinical settings, so the result should be interpreted with kidney function, medications, diet, and other urine findings. A complete 24-hour collection is important for an accurate result.

Short name

24-Hour Urine Glutamate/Creatinine Ratio

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast for this test?
Fasting is not usually required, but follow any specific instructions from the laboratory or your clinician. Diet can affect urinary glutamate, and avoiding unusual diet changes may help improve comparability.
What happens if I miss part of the 24-hour urine collection?
A missed collection can make the result less accurate. Contact the laboratory for guidance on whether the collection needs to be repeated.
Why is the result reported as a ratio?
The ratio compares urinary glutamate with urinary creatinine, which helps reduce the effect of variations in urine concentration. It does not provide a stand-alone diagnosis.
  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