Protein/Creatinine Ratio, 24-Hour Urine
Measures the amount of protein relative to creatinine in urine collected over 24 hours, helping assess kidney protein loss.
["This test helps determine whether your kidneys are leaking an abnormal amount of protein into the urine."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13801-6
- Short code
- Prot/Creat 24h Ur
- Synonyms
- Prot/Creat 24h 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 total protein and creatinine in a urine sample collected for 24 hours. The protein-to-creatinine ratio accounts for differences in urine concentration and provides information about protein loss through the kidneys.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test to evaluate kidney function, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a condition that may damage the kidneys. It can also be used to monitor people with known kidney disease or certain treatments.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine produced during a full 24-hour period according to the instructions provided by your healthcare facility. The collection container is then sent to the laboratory, where protein and creatinine are measured and the ratio is calculated.
How do I prepare for the test?
Begin the collection at the time specified, usually after emptying your bladder, and collect every drop of urine for the next 24 hours. Keep the container tightly closed and refrigerate it if instructed; do not include urine from before the collection began or after it ended.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated protein-to-creatinine ratio may indicate that the kidneys are allowing excess protein to pass into the urine. This can occur with several kidney conditions, including diabetic or hypertensive kidney disease, and may be relevant to conditions involving the kidney filters. Interpret the result alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other kidney tests.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Protein/Creatinine Ratio
Frequently asked questions
What does the 24-hour designation mean?
Why is a protein-to-creatinine ratio used?
Is this the same as a urine albumin test?
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