Heptacarboxylate-to-Creatinine Ratio, Urine
This urine test measures heptacarboxylate relative to creatinine and may help evaluate abnormal fatty-acid metabolism, including possible medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.
["An elevated result may indicate a fatty-acid metabolism disorder and should be interpreted with symptoms and other screening tests."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 38175-6
- Short code
- Heptacarboxylate/Creat Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- Heptacarboxylate/Creat Ur-sRto
- Category
- kidney
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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 heptacarboxylate, a substance related to fatty-acid metabolism, in urine. The result is compared with urine creatinine to help account for how concentrated or dilute the urine sample is.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be used during follow-up of newborn screening or when symptoms suggest a fatty-acid oxidation disorder. It may also be included in specialized metabolic testing for an unexplained illness.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected and analyzed in the laboratory. The laboratory reports the amount of heptacarboxylate relative to the amount of creatinine in the same sample.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by the laboratory or clinician, including whether a timed or untimed sample is needed. Do not change your diet, fasting, or medication use for this test unless your healthcare professional specifically instructs you to do so.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated heptacarboxylate-to-creatinine ratio may occur with inherited fatty-acid oxidation disorders, particularly medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. Levels can also vary during illness or with fasting, so an abnormal result does not establish a diagnosis by itself and should be interpreted with other laboratory findings and clinical history.
Short name
Urine heptacarboxylate ratio
Frequently asked questions
What does the urine heptacarboxylate test measure?
What can cause an elevated result?
Does an abnormal result confirm a genetic disorder?
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