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Manganese/Creatinine [Mass Ratio] in 24-Hour Urine

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

This test measures manganese relative to creatinine in a 24-hour urine collection. It may help assess manganese exposure when interpreted with occupational and medical history.

Quick summary

["The ratio can help evaluate manganese exposure, but collection accuracy and other health factors affect the result."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
52930-5
Short code
Manganese/Creat 24h Ur-sRto
Synonyms
Manganese/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 manganese in urine compared with the amount of creatinine. Creatinine is used as a marker of urine concentration, so the ratio can help account for variations in urine volume.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order this test after a possible workplace, environmental, or supplement-related manganese exposure. It may be used alongside symptoms, exposure history, blood tests, and other laboratory results.

How is the test performed?

You collect all urine for a full 24-hour period in the container provided by the laboratory. The laboratory then measures manganese and creatinine and calculates their ratio.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the laboratory's collection instructions exactly, including the start and end times. Keep your usual diet and fluid intake unless your clinician instructs otherwise, and tell the laboratory about manganese supplements or other supplements you take.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

A higher-than-expected ratio may indicate increased urinary excretion of manganese, which can occur with recent exposure or impaired elimination. A lower-than-expected ratio may reflect low exposure, dilution, collection problems, or reduced excretion. Results should be interpreted with symptoms, exposure history, kidney function, urine collection quality, and other relevant tests.

Short name

24-Hour Urine Manganese/Creatinine Ratio

Frequently asked questions

Why is the result reported as a ratio to creatinine?
Urine output and concentration can vary throughout the day. Comparing manganese with creatinine helps reduce the effect of urine dilution, although an incomplete collection can still affect the result.
Does an abnormal result mean I have manganese toxicity?
Not by itself. The result must be compared with your symptoms, exposure history, other laboratory tests, and the laboratory's reference range before any conclusion is made.
Can I take manganese supplements during the collection?
Tell your clinician and laboratory about all supplements before the test. They may advise you to pause a supplement that could affect the result, but only if your clinician gives you specific instructions.
  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