Skip to content

Pyruvate/Creatinine Ratio, Urine

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

A urine test that compares pyruvate with creatinine, helping evaluate urinary pyruvate excretion while accounting for urine concentration.

Quick summary

["This ratio can help identify increased urinary pyruvate, which may occur in some metabolic or mitochondrial disorders."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
25129-8
Short code
PYD/Creat Ur-sRto
Synonyms
PYD/Creat Ur-sRto
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 pyruvate and creatinine in a urine sample and reports them as a ratio. Creatinine is used as a reference for urine concentration, so the ratio helps show whether pyruvate excretion is unusually high.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order this test as part of an evaluation of unexplained metabolic symptoms, suspected mitochondrial disease, or other inherited disorders that can affect cellular energy production.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and analyzed in the laboratory. The laboratory measures the amount of pyruvate relative to creatinine in the sample; no special imaging or blood test is required.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the collection instructions provided by your clinician or laboratory. Urine may need to be collected as a first-morning or timed sample, and a clean-catch collection can help reduce contamination.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine pyruvate/creatinine ratio

Frequently asked questions

What does the urine pyruvate/creatinine ratio measure?
It compares the amount of pyruvate in urine with the amount of creatinine. This helps account for differences in how concentrated or dilute the urine sample is.
Is this the same as a routine urine protein/creatinine ratio?
No. This test measures pyruvate relative to creatinine, not urine protein relative to creatinine.
Does an abnormal result confirm a metabolic disorder?
No. An abnormal ratio may support further evaluation, but it must be considered with symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory tests.
  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