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Urine Total Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

Measures the amount of protein in urine relative to creatinine, helping assess urine protein loss while accounting for urine concentration.

Quick summary

["An elevated result may indicate kidney damage, inflammation, or another condition causing protein loss in the urine."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
25122-3
Short code
PETN/Creat Ur-sRto
Synonyms
PETN/Creat Ur-sRto
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 compares the amount of total protein with the amount of creatinine in the same sample. Creatinine is used as a reference because urine output and concentration can vary.

Why might I need this test?

Your clinician may order it to screen for or monitor protein loss caused by kidney disease. It may also be used during pregnancy or when evaluating conditions that can affect the kidneys.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and tested in a laboratory. The protein-to-creatinine ratio is calculated from the measured amounts in the sample. Your clinician will explain whether a single sample or a timed collection is needed.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow your clinician's instructions about when and how to collect the urine. If a first-morning sample is requested, collect it as directed, and tell the laboratory if you recently had an illness, exercised intensely, or took medicines that may affect the result.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

A higher protein-to-creatinine ratio can occur when the kidneys are not filtering normally, including damage from diabetes, high blood pressure, or inflammatory kidney disease. A temporary increase may also follow strenuous exercise, fever, or urinary infection. Results should be interpreted with other urine tests, kidney function tests, and your medical history.

Short name

Urine protein-to-creatinine ratio

Frequently asked questions

Does this test diagnose a specific kidney disease?
No. It identifies and helps quantify abnormal protein loss in urine, but additional testing is usually needed to determine the cause.
Why is creatinine included in the urine test?
Creatinine adjusts the protein result for how concentrated or dilute the urine is. This makes the ratio more useful than a urine protein result alone.
Can exercise or illness affect the result?
Yes. Strenuous exercise, fever, dehydration, and infection can temporarily increase urine protein. Your clinician may recommend repeating the test when these factors are no longer present.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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