Nickel, Creatinine, Urine — Ratio
A urine test that measures nickel relative to creatinine, helping evaluate nickel exposure while accounting for urine concentration.
["This test can help assess recent nickel exposure, but results must be interpreted with exposure history and collection timing."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56654-7
- Short code
- Nickel/Creat Ur-Rto
- Synonyms
- Nickel/Creat Ur-Rto
- 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 measures the amount of nickel in urine compared with the amount of creatinine. Creatinine is used as a marker of urine concentration so the nickel result is less affected by how concentrated or dilute the urine sample is.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered to evaluate exposure to nickel, particularly in people who work with metal plating, batteries, stainless steel, jewelry, electronics, or certain industrial chemicals. It may also be used when a clinician is evaluating possible metal exposure or monitoring occupational exposure.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected and analyzed to determine the urine nickel-to-creatinine ratio. Depending on the laboratory's instructions, the sample may be a single urine collection or a timed collection such as a 24-hour collection.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by the laboratory, including whether a spot or timed urine sample is required. Collect the sample in the provided clean container and avoid contaminating it with workplace dust or other outside material; your clinician or employer may also provide specific precautions.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urine nickel-to-creatinine ratio
Frequently asked questions
Does this test show how much nickel is in my body?
Why is creatinine included in the result?
Can diet or supplements affect the 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy