Inorganic Arsenic and Creatinine Ratio, Urine
This urine test measures inorganic arsenic and adjusts the result for urine concentration using creatinine, helping assess exposure to toxic inorganic arsenic.
["An elevated result may indicate exposure to inorganic arsenic, but recent seafood consumption and other factors should be considered."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13825-5
- Short code
- Inorg Arsenic/Creat Ur
- Synonyms
- Inorg Arsenic/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 inorganic arsenic, a potentially toxic form of arsenic, in urine. Creatinine, a waste product used as a marker of urine concentration, is measured at the same time so the arsenic result can be adjusted for differences in how dilute the urine is.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be ordered to assess exposure to inorganic arsenic from work, contaminated water, soil, or other sources. It may also be used when a clinician is evaluating symptoms or health effects that could be related to arsenic exposure.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected and analyzed in a laboratory for inorganic arsenic and creatinine. The laboratory then reports the arsenic measurement together with the creatinine-adjusted value, sometimes called the arsenic-to-creatinine ratio.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions, which may request a single urine sample or urine collected over 24 hours. Fasting is generally not required, and you should not stop prescribed medicines unless your clinician instructs you to do so.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated result can indicate recent exposure to inorganic arsenic, which may come from occupational, environmental, or water sources. The result can also be affected by urine concentration, timing of collection, and consumption of certain foods, including some seafood. Your clinician will interpret the result along with your exposure history, symptoms, and other tests.
Short name
Urine Inorganic Arsenic
Frequently asked questions
Does eating seafood cause this test to be elevated?
Why is creatinine measured with arsenic?
What should I do if my arsenic result is high?
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