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Indican/Creatinine [Mass Ratio] in 24-Hour Urine — Screen

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

Measures urinary indican relative to creatinine in a 24-hour urine collection to help evaluate intestinal bacterial activity and protein digestion or absorption.

Quick summary

["This specialized urine test looks for increased intestinal bacterial breakdown of dietary protein but should be interpreted alongside other findings."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
47090-6
Short code
Indicans/Creat 24h Ur-sRto
Synonyms
Indicans/Creat 24h Ur-sRto
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?

Indican is a substance produced when intestinal bacteria break down the amino acid tryptophan. This test measures indican in urine collected over 24 hours and may relate it to urine creatinine to help account for differences in urine concentration.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order this test when evaluating suspected malabsorption, impaired protein digestion, or unusually high intestinal bacterial activity. It is a specialized test and is generally interpreted together with symptoms, diet, medications, and other laboratory studies.

How is the test performed?

You collect all urine produced during a 24-hour period. The laboratory measures urinary indican and creatinine and may report the result as a ratio or creatinine-adjusted value.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the collection instructions provided by the laboratory, including the exact start and end times. Usually, the first morning urine is discarded, and all later urine—including the final void at the end of the period—is collected and refrigerated if instructed. Do not restrict your diet or take medications unless your clinician specifically tells you to do so.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

24-hour urine indican screen

Frequently asked questions

What does urinary indican show?
It reflects the amount of a bacterial breakdown product excreted in urine. Creatinine measurement or ratio helps account for variations in urine concentration.
What can cause an elevated result?
Possible causes include malabsorption, impaired protein digestion, constipation, and increased intestinal bacterial activity. Diet, medications, and collection completeness can also affect the result.
How is a 24-hour urine collection completed?
Discard the first morning urine, then collect every subsequent void for exactly 24 hours, including the final void at the end of the period. Record the total volume and store the container as instructed, often refrigerated, until it is delivered to the laboratory.
  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