Nickel/Creatinine Ratio
Measures nickel relative to creatinine, usually in urine, to help assess recent nickel exposure while accounting for urine concentration.
["An elevated urine result may indicate recent nickel exposure but must be interpreted with occupational history and symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13472-6
- Short code
- Nickel/Creat Ur
- Synonyms
- Nickel/Creat Ur
- Category
- kidney
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 22
- Ref high
- 198
- Critical range
- — – 10000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82553
- 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 compares the amount of nickel with the amount of creatinine in the same specimen, usually urine. Creatinine helps adjust the nickel measurement for how concentrated the urine is.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered to assess exposure to nickel, particularly in workers who handle metals, batteries, jewelry plating, catalysts, or certain industrial chemicals. It may also be used when a clinician is evaluating symptoms that could be related to a workplace exposure.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is analyzed for nickel and creatinine, and the results are used to calculate their ratio. Your clinician or testing laboratory will provide instructions specific to the type of urine collection required.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions exactly, including any timing or repeat-sample requirements. Use the provided sterile container, avoid contamination from metal objects or surfaces, and tell the laboratory about recent workplace or environmental nickel exposure.
Reference range
Adult males: 22-198 U/L; Females: 22-198 U/LN/A
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 elevated nickel-to-creatinine ratio may reflect recent nickel exposure, especially when it is supported by workplace or environmental exposure history. Results alone do not prove that nickel caused symptoms or establish a diagnosis of toxicity, and interpretation depends on exposure timing, urine collection, and other findings.
Short name
Nickel/Creatinine Ratio
Frequently asked questions
Does this test show how much nickel is in my body?
Why is creatinine included in the result?
What if my nickel-to-creatinine ratio is elevated?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy