Hydrocodone/Creatinine Ratio, Urine
Measures urine hydrocodone relative to urine creatinine, helping account for differences in urine concentration when assessing recent opioid exposure.
["This urine test can help identify recent hydrocodone exposure, but results must be interpreted alongside medication history and other findings."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58393-0
- Short code
- HYDROcodone/Creat Ur
- Synonyms
- HYDROcodone/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?
This test measures the amount of hydrocodone in urine compared with the amount of creatinine. Hydrocodone is an opioid pain medicine, while creatinine is a waste product commonly used to help assess how concentrated a urine sample is.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered to monitor hydrocodone treatment, assess recent opioid use, or investigate symptoms such as excessive sleepiness, slowed breathing, confusion, or reduced alertness. It can also be used as part of routine drug testing when clinically appropriate.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is tested to determine the hydrocodone level and the creatinine level. The results are used to calculate a hydrocodone-to-creatinine ratio, which can help reduce the effect of variation in urine concentration.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by the healthcare professional or laboratory. Tell the clinician about all prescription and nonprescription medicines you have taken, including the timing and amount of any hydrocodone. Do not stop prescribed medication unless instructed to do so.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Detecting hydrocodone in urine may indicate recent exposure to hydrocodone or a medication that contains it. A higher ratio can reflect greater exposure, but interpretation also depends on dose, timing, urine concentration, metabolism, and the specific laboratory method. A result alone does not establish impairment, overdose, or the cause of symptoms.
Short name
Urine Hydrocodone/Creatinine
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean someone is overdosing?
Why is the result divided by creatinine?
How long after taking hydrocodone can it be detected?
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