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Isocitrate/Creatinine Ratio, Urine

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

A specialized urine test that measures isocitrate relative to creatinine, helping account for urine concentration.

Quick summary

["This ratio shows how much isocitrate is present in urine relative to creatinine and must be interpreted alongside the rest of your medical evaluation."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
25111-6
Short code
Isocitrate/Creat Ur-sRto
Synonyms
Isocitrate/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 isocitrate, an organic acid involved in cellular energy metabolism, in your urine. The result is divided by the urine creatinine level, which helps account for how concentrated or dilute the urine sample is.

Why might I need this test?

A urinary isocitrate-to-creatinine ratio may be ordered to evaluate unusual organic acid levels or suspected metabolic abnormalities. It is a specialized test and is usually interpreted by a clinician familiar with your symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory results.

How is the test performed?

A urine specimen is collected and analyzed in the laboratory to determine the isocitrate and creatinine amounts. The laboratory then calculates the ratio. Depending on the test instructions, this may involve a single urine sample or a timed collection.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the collection instructions provided by your healthcare professional or laboratory. If a 24-hour collection is requested, collect all urine for the specified period and store it as directed. Do not fast unless your clinician specifically tells you to do so.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urinary isocitrate/creatinine ratio

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as a urinary citrate test?
No. Isocitrate and citrate are related organic acids but are different chemical compounds, so their laboratory results are not interchangeable.
Why is creatinine included in the result?
Creatinine is used to adjust the urine measurement for differences in urine concentration. This makes results from samples of different dilution more comparable.
Do I need to collect urine for 24 hours?
That depends on the order and laboratory instructions. Some ratios use a single urine sample, while others require a timed or 24-hour collection.
  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