Protein/Creatinine Ratio, 12-Hour Urine
Measures the amount of protein relative to creatinine in a 12-hour urine collection, helping assess protein loss through the kidneys.
["An elevated result may indicate excess urinary protein, which can be associated with kidney disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 60678-0
- Short code
- Prot/Creat 12h Ur
- Synonyms
- Prot/Creat 12h Ur
- 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 protein and creatinine in urine collected for 12 hours. The protein-to-creatinine ratio accounts for urine concentration and helps estimate how much protein is being lost in the urine.
Why might I need this test?
Clinicians may use this test to evaluate protein in the urine, particularly in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or suspected kidney disease. It may also be used to monitor people with known kidney conditions.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine during a specified 12-hour period. The laboratory measures protein and creatinine and calculates their ratio. The collection container and any special handling instructions should be provided by your clinician or laboratory.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions carefully, including the starting and ending times and whether to refrigerate the urine. Inform the care team if you currently have a fever, infection, or recently exercised intensely, as these can temporarily affect urine protein results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated protein-to-creatinine ratio may indicate that the kidneys are leaking more protein than expected, which can occur with conditions such as diabetic or hypertensive kidney disease. Temporary increases may also occur with fever, infection, intense exercise, or high dietary protein. A result should be interpreted by your clinician along with other kidney tests and your medical history.
Short name
12-Hour Urine Protein/Creatinine Ratio
Frequently asked questions
What does the protein-to-creatinine ratio measure?
How is a 12-hour urine collection done?
Does a high result always mean kidney disease?
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