Total Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio, Urine
Measures the amount of total protein relative to creatinine in urine, helping assess whether the kidneys are leaking abnormal amounts of protein.
["An elevated result may indicate excess urinary protein, which can be associated with kidney disease or other conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 28604-7
- Short code
- PETN/Creat Ur-Rto
- Synonyms
- PETN/Creat Ur-Rto
- 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 urine test measures total protein relative to creatinine. Creatinine is a muscle waste product that appears in urine, and comparing the two values helps clinicians interpret the amount of protein being lost.
Why might I need this test?
It may be used to screen for or monitor kidney damage, especially in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or conditions that may affect the kidneys. It can also help evaluate swelling or other symptoms that may be related to protein loss.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is tested to determine the amounts of total protein and creatinine, and the laboratory calculates their ratio. This is commonly performed on a spot urine sample, although a timed collection may occasionally be requested.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions about when and how to collect the urine sample. Tell the healthcare team if you have a urinary tract infection, are menstruating, or recently exercised vigorously, because these factors can affect the result.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A higher protein-to-creatinine ratio may indicate that the kidneys are allowing abnormal amounts of protein to leak into the urine. This can occur with diabetic kidney disease, high blood pressure, glomerular inflammation, or other kidney disorders. Results should be interpreted with other kidney function tests and may be repeated or confirmed with a timed urine collection.
Short name
Urine protein-to-creatinine ratio
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as an albumin-to-creatinine ratio?
Does the time of day matter?
What can cause an elevated 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