Strontium-to-Creatinine Ratio, 24-Hour Urine
Measures strontium relative to creatinine in urine collected for 24 hours, helping account for differences in urine concentration.
["This test can help evaluate urinary strontium levels, including possible exposure, but results must be interpreted with your medical history and other tests."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 29973-5
- Short code
- Strontium/Creat 24h Ur
- Synonyms
- Strontium/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 the amount of strontium in a 24-hour urine collection and compares it with the amount of creatinine. Creatinine is used as a reference because it is released at a fairly steady rate by the kidneys, helping account for variations in urine concentration.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test if there is concern about exposure to strontium through food, water, supplements, occupational contact, or certain medicines. It may also be used to monitor a person whose treatment or work environment could involve strontium.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, usually in a special container provided by the laboratory or clinic. The total volume and collection time are recorded, and a portion of the sample is tested to determine the strontium-to-creatinine ratio.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions exactly, including the starting and ending times. Your clinician should tell you whether to avoid strontium-containing supplements, medicines, or particular foods before collection. Keep the container closed, refrigerate it if instructed, and return the entire collection on time.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated strontium-to-creatinine ratio may indicate increased urinary strontium, which can result from recent exposure, intake, supplementation, or changes in kidney handling. An unexpectedly low result may occur with incomplete collection or dilution. This result alone does not diagnose strontium toxicity and should be interpreted alongside symptoms, exposure history, medications, and other laboratory findings.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Strontium/Creatinine Ratio
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast for this test?
What if I miss part of the 24-hour urine collection?
Why is creatinine included in the result?
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