Urine Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio
Measures the amount of protein in urine relative to creatinine, helping assess protein loss through the kidneys.
["This urine test helps evaluate how much protein may be leaking from the kidneys."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34366-5
- Short code
- Prot/Creat Ur-Rto
- Synonyms
- Prot/Creat 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?
The urine protein-to-creatinine ratio compares the amount of protein in a urine sample with the amount of creatinine. Creatinine is a waste product that the kidneys normally filter, so this ratio helps account for urine concentration and provides a practical estimate of protein loss in the urine.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be used to screen for or monitor kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions that can damage the kidneys' filtering structures. It is also commonly used to monitor pregnancy-related changes in protein excretion when clinically indicated.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected and tested in the laboratory. The protein and creatinine amounts are measured, and their relationship is reported as a ratio. The sample may be a single urine collection or part of a timed collection, depending on the instructions from your healthcare professional.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your healthcare professional's instructions about the type and timing of urine collection. Tell the laboratory if you are pregnant, have a urinary infection, or recently exercised heavily, because these factors may affect the result. Use the provided container and bring the sample to the laboratory as directed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An increased urine protein-to-creatinine ratio may indicate that the kidneys are allowing more protein to leak into the urine. This can occur with kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, or pregnancy-related conditions. The result is interpreted alongside other kidney tests, symptoms, and medical history.
Short name
Urine protein/creatinine ratio
Frequently asked questions
Does a high ratio always mean I have kidney disease?
Why is creatinine included in the urine test?
Is this the same as a 24-hour urine protein 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