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Taurine and Creatinine, 24-Hour Urine — Ratio

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

Measures urine taurine relative to creatinine collected over 24 hours. The ratio helps account for variations in urine concentration.

Quick summary

["This test evaluates how much taurine is excreted in the urine relative to creatinine over a full day."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
44411-7
Short code
Taurine/Creat 24h Ur
Synonyms
Taurine/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 taurine in urine collected for 24 hours and compares it with the amount of creatinine. Creatinine is used as a reference to help account for differences in urine concentration.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order this test to evaluate taurine metabolism or excretion, particularly in an infant or child with concerns about growth, development, or nutrition. It may also be used during the assessment of certain inherited metabolic conditions.

How is the test performed?

You collect all urine into a labeled container for exactly 24 hours. The laboratory measures taurine and creatinine and may report their ratio, which helps reduce the effect of changes in urine concentration.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the collection instructions provided by the laboratory or your clinician, including the start and end times. Continue your usual diet and fluid intake unless you are specifically told to change them, and tell the care team about taurine supplements or infant formula use.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

An abnormal ratio may indicate changed taurine excretion, differences in urine concentration, kidney function, dietary intake, or an issue in taurine metabolism. A low result in an infant may prompt review of nutrition and evaluation for a metabolic disorder, while interpretation should be based on age, diet, supplements, and the laboratory's reference interval.

Short name

24-Hour Urine Taurine/Creatinine Ratio

Frequently asked questions

Why is creatinine included in this test?
Creatinine changes with urine concentration, so comparing taurine with creatinine provides a more reliable measure of taurine excretion.
How is a 24-hour urine collection done?
Collect all urine into the provided container for the full 24-hour period, following the exact start and end times given by the clinician or laboratory.
Do I need to stop taking taurine supplements?
Do not stop supplements or change your diet unless your clinician instructs you to do so. Tell the care team about supplements and formula use because they can affect the result.
  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