Skip to content

Lysine/Creatinine Ratio, 24-Hour Urine

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

A 24-hour urine test that measures lysine relative to creatinine, helping assess urinary amino-acid excretion while accounting for urine concentration.

Quick summary

["This test measures how much lysine is being excreted in urine compared with creatinine over 24 hours."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
25953-1
Short code
Lysine/Creat 24h Ur-sRto
Synonyms
Lysine/Creat 24h 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 the amount of lysine in urine relative to the amount of creatinine collected over a 24-hour period. Creatinine is used as a marker of urine concentration.

Why might I need this test?

It may be used to evaluate increased urinary amino-acid excretion, including when an inherited metabolic or connective-tissue disorder is suspected. The result is interpreted with symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory tests.

How is the test performed?

Urine is collected for a full 24 hours, and the laboratory measures lysine and creatinine in the collection. The total urine volume is used to calculate the amount excreted during the collection period.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the laboratory's collection instructions exactly, including the start and end times. Keep the container refrigerated if instructed, record the total volume, and bring the sample to the laboratory when collection is complete.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

24-Hour Urine Lysine-to-Creatinine Ratio

Frequently asked questions

What does the lysine-to-creatinine ratio show?
It shows the amount of lysine excreted in urine compared with creatinine. This helps account for differences in urine concentration.
How is a 24-hour urine sample collected?
Collect all urine for exactly 24 hours using the supplied container, following the laboratory's instructions for timing, storage, and recording the total volume.
Does an abnormal result mean I have a genetic disorder?
No. An abnormal result may suggest increased lysine excretion but can also reflect other factors. Your clinician will interpret it alongside your symptoms, history, and additional tests.
  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