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Urine pH and Creatinine — Reagent Strip, Test Outcome

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

A urine dipstick test that reports urine pH and estimates urine creatinine concentration, helping assess acidity and sample concentration.

Quick summary

["This test helps evaluate urine acidity and how concentrated the urine is."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
18475-4
Short code
Phe/Creat Ur-sRto
Synonyms
Phe/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 reagent-strip test checks the pH, or acidity, of urine and estimates the amount of creatinine present. Creatinine is a muscle waste product whose concentration can help show how concentrated or diluted a urine sample is.

Why might I need this test?

Urine pH and creatinine may be included in a urinalysis or used to help evaluate urinary tract symptoms, kidney stones, or other kidney conditions. Creatinine can also help account for urine concentration when interpreting other substances measured in urine.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected, usually by urinating partway and then catching the middle portion of the stream. A laboratory reagent strip is placed in the urine and read according to the manufacturer's instructions to estimate pH and creatinine.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the collection instructions provided by your healthcare professional. Avoid unusually heavy fluid intake immediately beforehand, and tell the laboratory if you are taking medicines or supplements that may affect urine pH or concentration.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine pH and creatinine

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as a serum creatinine test?
No. This test measures creatinine in urine, while a serum creatinine test measures creatinine in blood. The two results serve different purposes and should not be compared directly.
Does the test diagnose a urinary tract infection?
No. Urine pH and creatinine alone cannot confirm or rule out an infection. A urinalysis or urine culture and other clinical findings may be needed.
Why does my urine creatinine result vary?
Urine creatinine concentration changes with fluid intake, urine dilution, muscle mass, medications, and kidney function. A result from one sample may differ from earlier or later samples.
  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