Inorganic Arsenic and Creatinine Ratio, Urine
A urine test that measures inorganic arsenic relative to creatinine, helping assess arsenic exposure while accounting for differences in urine concentration.
["This ratio can help identify elevated arsenic exposure and is interpreted alongside the urine collection method and other findings."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 52939-6
- Short code
- Inorg Arsenic/Creat Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- Inorg Arsenic/Creat 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?
This test measures inorganic arsenic in urine and compares it with the amount of creatinine in the same sample. Creatinine is used as a marker of urine concentration, so the ratio can help account for how concentrated or dilute the urine is.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be ordered to investigate suspected exposure to arsenic, such as from contaminated drinking water, certain foods, industrial work, or supplements. It can also help monitor people whose occupations or living conditions may involve arsenic.
How is the test performed?
You provide a urine sample according to the laboratory's instructions. The laboratory measures inorganic arsenic and creatinine and reports the arsenic-to-creatinine ratio. Depending on the test, the sample may be a one-time collection or collected over a specified period, such as 24 hours.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions carefully, including whether all urine from a specified period must be collected. Tell your clinician about supplements, occupational exposure, and any recent changes in diet or water source, because these may affect interpretation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated ratio may indicate increased exposure to inorganic arsenic, potentially from environmental, occupational, food, water, or supplement sources. Results can vary with urine concentration, collection timing, and kidney function, so the ratio should be interpreted with the collection method and other laboratory findings. Recent seafood consumption can affect total urine arsenic testing, although the inorganic arsenic measurement is generally less affected.
Short name
Urine Inorganic Arsenic/Creatinine Ratio
Frequently asked questions
Does this test show how much arsenic is in my body?
Why is the result divided by creatinine?
What should I do if my result is elevated?
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