Urine Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio
This urine test measures protein relative to creatinine, helping assess protein loss through the kidneys while accounting for urine concentration.
["An elevated result may indicate kidney disease or another cause of abnormal urinary protein loss."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13789-3
- Short code
- PETN/Creat Ur
- Synonyms
- PETN/Creat Ur
- 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?
The urine protein-to-creatinine ratio compares the amount of protein in your urine with the amount of creatinine. Creatinine is a waste product that reflects urine concentration, so this ratio helps show whether excess protein is being lost in the urine.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test to screen for or monitor kidney disease, diabetes-related kidney damage, high blood pressure, or conditions that cause the kidneys to leak protein. It may also be used to evaluate changes in urinary protein over time.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is tested for protein and creatinine, and the results are used to calculate the ratio. The sample is usually provided as a single urine collection, though your clinician may request a specific collection method.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is generally not required. Follow your clinician's instructions about the type and timing of the urine collection, and tell the laboratory if you recently had an illness, exercise intensely, or are taking medicines that may affect the result.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A higher-than-expected ratio may indicate that the kidneys are leaking more protein than usual, which can occur with diabetic, hypertensive, or other kidney diseases. A small amount of urinary protein can also be associated with inflammation, infection, fever, or intense exercise. Results should be interpreted by your clinician along with your medical history and other kidney tests.
Short name
Urine protein/creatinine ratio
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a 24-hour urine protein test?
Does the ratio depend on how concentrated the urine is?
Can exercise or illness 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy