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Isocitrate/Creatinine Ratio, Urine

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

Measures urinary isocitrate relative to creatinine, which helps account for differences in urine concentration.

Quick summary

["This urine test measures the relative amount of isocitrate, a metabolic compound, in a urine sample."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
13764-6
Short code
Isocitrate/Creat Ur
Synonyms
Isocitrate/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 isocitrate relative to creatinine in urine. Isocitrate is a compound involved in cellular energy metabolism, while creatinine is a waste product commonly used to help adjust urine measurements for how concentrated or dilute the sample is.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order this test as part of an evaluation of unusual urinary metabolites or a suspected inherited metabolic disorder. It is usually interpreted together with other urine and blood tests.

How is the test performed?

A urine specimen is collected and analyzed in the laboratory. The amount of isocitrate is compared with the amount of creatinine in the same sample to calculate the ratio.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the collection instructions provided by your healthcare professional. Preparation requirements can vary, so ask whether a fasting sample, a timed collection, or a first-morning specimen is required.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

A higher-than-expected ratio may indicate increased urinary excretion of isocitrate, which can occur in some metabolic conditions or with certain medications. A lower ratio may reflect reduced excretion or simply differences in urine concentration, so results must be interpreted with the creatinine value and other clinical findings.

Short name

Urine Isocitrate

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as a urine citrate test?
No. Isocitrate and citrate are related but distinct compounds, and this test specifically measures isocitrate.
Why is the result divided by creatinine?
Creatinine helps account for how concentrated or dilute a urine sample is, making measurements from different samples easier to compare.
Does an abnormal result diagnose a metabolic disorder?
No. An abnormal result generally requires additional testing and review by a clinician because urinary isocitrate can be affected by several factors.
  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