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Iron/Creatinine Ratio, Urine — Mass/Mass, Turbidimetric

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This urine test measures iron relative to creatinine, helping show how much iron the body is excreting regardless of urine concentration.

Quick summary

["The result helps assess urinary iron excretion but must be interpreted with other iron and kidney tests."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
110371-2
Short code
Iron/Creat Msmt Ur
Synonyms
Iron/Creat Msmt Ur
Category
kidney
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Ref low
60
Ref high
170
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
83540
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 iron in urine relative to the amount of creatinine in the same sample. Creatinine is a waste product produced by the muscles, and using it as a reference helps account for differences in urine concentration.

Why might I need this test?

A urine iron/creatinine ratio may be used to assess iron excretion, particularly when evaluating possible iron overload, iron toxicity, or the effects of iron-containing medicines or supplements. It may also be used alongside blood tests and other clinical findings.

How is the test performed?

You provide a urine sample as directed by your healthcare professional. The laboratory measures iron and creatinine in the sample and calculates their ratio. The listed analytical method is turbidimetry, which estimates a substance by measuring the cloudiness of a liquid.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the collection instructions provided by the laboratory, including whether a first-morning, timed, or spot urine sample is required. Fasting is generally unnecessary unless your clinician specifically requests it, and iron supplements should not be stopped without medical advice.

Reference range

NCBI: Serum Iron Male 65-180; Female 50-170 µg/dLN/A

Specimen: urine

Fasting for 12 hours preferred. Iron supplements should be stopped 24 hours before if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine iron/creatinine ratio

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as a serum iron test?
No. This test measures iron in urine, while a serum iron test measures iron circulating in the blood. The two tests provide different information and may be interpreted together.
Does the urine iron/creatinine ratio diagnose hemochromatosis?
No. It cannot diagnose hemochromatosis or another iron disorder by itself. Diagnosis usually requires a combination of medical history, blood tests, genetic testing when appropriate, and other clinical findings.
Can supplements or medicines affect the result?
Yes. Iron supplements, other medicines, diet, hydration, and urine collection timing can affect the result. Tell your clinician about supplements and medicines before the test.
  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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy