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Urine Iron-to-Creatinine Ratio

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

A urine test that compares iron with creatinine, helping account for differences in urine concentration.

Quick summary

["This ratio measures urinary iron relative to creatinine and may help evaluate iron loss or excess."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
34322-8
Short code
Iron/Creat Ur-sRto
Synonyms
Iron/Creat Ur-sRto
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 compared with the amount of creatinine. Creatinine is used as a reference because urine concentration can vary from sample to sample.

Why might I need this test?

Your clinician may use this test to help assess iron excretion or identify unusually high iron levels in urine. It may be considered alongside blood iron tests, kidney function, medical history, and other laboratory results.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and tested in a laboratory. The laboratory measures iron and creatinine and calculates the iron-to-creatinine ratio.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the urine collection instructions provided by your clinician or laboratory. If a timed collection is requested, collect all urine for the specified period; otherwise, a single urine sample may be used.

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

Does this test show how much iron is in my blood?
No. It measures iron relative to creatinine in urine. Blood tests such as serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation provide different information.
Why is creatinine included in the result?
Creatinine helps adjust the urine iron measurement for variations in urine concentration. This makes results easier to compare across samples.
Do I need to collect urine for a specific number of hours?
That depends on your clinician’s instructions. Some results use a single sample, while others require a timed collection, so confirm the collection method before testing.
  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