Phenylglyoxylate/Creatinine [Mass Ratio] in 24-Hour Urine
A specialized 24-hour urine test measures phenylglyoxylate relative to creatinine to help evaluate urinary excretion and possible inherited metabolic disorders.
["An elevated phenylglyoxylate-to-creatinine ratio may indicate increased urinary excretion of this amino acid metabolite, but other tests are needed for diagnosis."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56648-9
- Short code
- Phenylglyoxylate/Creat 24h Ur-Rto
- Synonyms
- Phenylglyoxylate/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 phenylglyoxylate, a metabolite formed during amino acid metabolism, in urine collected for 24 hours. The result is compared with the amount of creatinine in the same collection, which helps account for differences in urine concentration.
Why might I need this test?
This is a specialized biochemical test that may be used when a healthcare professional is evaluating suspected tyrosinemia or another rare inherited disorder affecting tyrosine or phenylalanine metabolism. It is usually interpreted with other laboratory and genetic results.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine for a full 24-hour period in the container provided by the laboratory. The laboratory measures phenylglyoxylate and creatinine in the collection and reports their ratio.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions carefully, including the start and finish times. Do not fast unless specifically instructed, and ask the laboratory how the urine should be stored during the collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated ratio may reflect increased urinary excretion of phenylglyoxylate and can occur in disorders of tyrosine or phenylalanine metabolism, including some rare tyrosinemias. This finding is not specific by itself and must be interpreted with symptoms, other biochemical measurements, and sometimes genetic testing.
Short name
24-hour urine phenylglyoxylate ratio
Frequently asked questions
What does the phenylglyoxylate-to-creatinine ratio show?
Why is a 24-hour urine collection required?
Does an abnormal result confirm a metabolic disorder?
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