Neopterin/Creatinine Ratio, Urine
A urine test that compares the amount of neopterin with the amount of creatinine, helping account for differences in urine concentration.
["This ratio provides a urine-based measure of neopterin that adjusts for how concentrated the urine sample is."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47711-7
- Short code
- Neopterin/Creat Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- Neopterin/Creat Ur-sRto
- Category
- kidney
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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 neopterin, a substance related to immune-cell activity, in urine and compares it with the amount of creatinine in the same sample. The ratio helps reduce the effect of changes in urine concentration.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test when information about immune-system activation is needed, such as in certain immune or inflammatory conditions, some infections, or during follow-up of patients receiving immune-related treatment. It is interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory results.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected and tested in the laboratory. The laboratory measures neopterin and creatinine and calculates their ratio. Depending on the instructions provided, the sample may be a single urine collection or a timed collection.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions given by your healthcare professional. These may include collecting urine in a sterile container and recording the collection time. Tell your clinician about medicines, supplements, pregnancy, and any recent illness, since these can affect the results.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated ratio may reflect increased immune-cell activity and can occur with some infections, inflammatory or immune disorders, and certain treatments that affect the immune system. A decreased ratio may occur in some conditions associated with reduced immune activity. The result is not diagnostic by itself and should be interpreted by a clinician in the appropriate clinical context.
Short name
Urine neopterin/creatinine ratio
Frequently asked questions
What does the neopterin/creatinine ratio measure?
Do I need to fast for this test?
What can cause an abnormal result?
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