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Lactate Dehydrogenase to Creatinine Ratio, Urine

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

This urine test compares the amount of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) with the amount of creatinine, helping account for differences in urine concentration.

Quick summary

["The result is most useful when interpreted by your clinician alongside your symptoms and other tests."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
53561-7
Short code
LDH/Creat Ur-Rto
Synonyms
LDH/Creat Ur-Rto
Category
kidney
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Ref low
140
Ref high
280
Critical range
— – 1000 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
83615
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?

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in many body cells. This test measures LDH relative to creatinine in a urine sample. Creatinine is used as an adjustment for how concentrated the urine is.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may use this ratio to evaluate possible tissue injury or other conditions associated with increased LDH activity. It may be considered with symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory findings.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and tested in a laboratory. The laboratory measures LDH and creatinine in the sample and calculates their ratio.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow any collection instructions provided by your clinician, including whether a first-morning or timed urine sample is required. A clean-catch midstream sample is commonly requested, and fasting is usually unnecessary unless specifically directed.

Reference range

Adult: 140-280 U/LN/A

Specimen: urine

No special preparation required. Inform provider of any chest pain or symptoms.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

An increased ratio may occur when LDH excretion rises disproportionately compared with creatinine, which can be associated with tissue injury, inflammation, infection, or other clinical conditions. A decreased or otherwise unexpected result also requires clinical interpretation, and this test should not be used alone to diagnose a disease.

Short name

Urine LDH/Creatinine Ratio

Frequently asked questions

Does this test measure the same LDH as a blood test?
No. This test measures LDH activity in urine, while a blood LDH test measures LDH in blood. The results and reference expectations are different.
Why is creatinine included in the result?
Urine can vary greatly in concentration. Comparing LDH with creatinine helps reduce the effect of dilution or concentration on the reported ratio.
Does an abnormal result confirm a specific condition?
No. An abnormal ratio is nonspecific and must be interpreted with symptoms, medical history, and other test results by a qualified clinician.
  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