Urine Creatinine-to-Creatinine Clearance Ratio (24-hour urine collection)
This test measures how well your kidneys filter waste products by comparing urine and blood creatinine levels over 24 hours.
["Helps assess kidney function and blood flow through the kidneys over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72474-0
- Short code
- JWH-122 5OH-pentyl Ur Ql Cfm
- Synonyms
- JWH-122 5OH-pentyl Ur Ql Cfm
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- confirm
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect chronic kidney disease, kidney damage, or improper kidney function. It helps evaluate how well your kidneys are removing waste from your blood, especially if you have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of kidney problems.
How the Test Works
You’ll collect all your urine for 24 hours in a special container. Blood is drawn once to measure creatinine levels in your blood. The ratio of creatinine in your urine to blood helps determine kidney function over a full day.
Sample Collection Process
You’ll start the collection right after waking up, emptying your bladder into the container. Continue collecting every time you urinate until you wake up the next morning. Discard the first morning urine and discard the final sample if it’s not collected at midnight. Store the urine in a cool place until you return it to the lab.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but avoid taking diuretics (medications that increase urine output) without consulting your doctor. Drink enough fluids to maintain normal urine output, but don’t overhydrate.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Urine Creatinine Clearance
Frequently asked questions
This test helps diagnose or monitor kidney disease, assess kidney function in people with diabetes or high blood pressure, and evaluate kidney damage from medications or toxins. It can also check for conditions like polycystic kidney disease or other chronic kidney disorders.
A low result may indicate kidney damage or disease, where the kidneys aren’t filtering waste properly. A high result could suggest overhydration or errors in urine collection, but it’s less common and usually requires further investigation.
Results are typically available within 1 to 3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time.
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