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Phenol/Creatinine Ratio, 24-Hour Urine

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

Measures the amount of phenol in urine relative to creatinine in a 24-hour collection. It may help assess urine phenol levels while accounting for urine concentration.

Quick summary

["This test evaluates phenol excretion in a 24-hour urine sample and may help identify increased exposure to phenol or phenol-containing chemicals."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
56647-1
Short code
Phenol/Creat 24h Ur-Rto
Synonyms
Phenol/Creat 24h 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 test measures phenol relative to creatinine in urine collected over 24 hours. Creatinine is used as a reference for urine concentration, allowing the phenol result to be interpreted more reliably.

Why might I need this test?

The test may be ordered to evaluate exposure to phenol or certain phenol-containing chemicals, particularly in workplace or environmental exposure assessments. It may also be used alongside occupational history and other tests.

How is the test performed?

You collect all urine for 24 hours in the container provided by the laboratory, following the collection instructions carefully. The laboratory then measures phenol and creatinine and calculates their ratio.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the laboratory's instructions for the entire 24-hour collection, including how to store the container and when to start and stop. Tell the laboratory and your clinician about any phenol-containing products, medications, or workplace exposures relevant to the test.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

24-Hour Urine Phenol-Creatinine Ratio

Frequently asked questions

What does an elevated urine phenol result mean?
It may indicate increased exposure to phenol or related chemicals. The result should be reviewed with your clinician because diet, medications, and workplace or environmental exposures can affect urinary phenol levels.
Why is creatinine included in the result?
Creatinine helps account for how concentrated the urine is. Expressing phenol relative to creatinine makes the result easier to compare across samples or collection conditions.
How is a 24-hour urine collection completed?
Collect all urine for the full 24-hour period using the provided container and follow the laboratory's storage instructions. Missing a collection or emptying the container at the wrong time can make the result unreliable.
  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