Taurine/Creatinine Ratio, 24-Hour Urine
Measures urinary taurine relative to creatinine over 24 hours to help evaluate taurine metabolism and conditions that may affect muscle or nerves.
["This test assesses how much taurine is excreted in urine compared with creatinine, with elevated or low levels requiring clinical interpretation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56985-5
- Short code
- Taurine/Creat 24h Ur-Rto
- Synonyms
- Taurine/Creat 24h 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?
This test measures the amount of taurine in urine relative to the amount of creatinine collected over 24 hours. Creatinine is used as a reference because its amount is generally more stable than urine volume, helping account for differences in urine concentration.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test when evaluating unexplained muscle weakness, movement problems, nerve-related symptoms, or suspected abnormalities in taurine metabolism. It may also be used to follow certain nutritional, metabolic, kidney, or muscle-related conditions.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine produced during a full 24-hour period. The laboratory then measures taurine and creatinine in the combined sample and calculates their ratio.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by your clinician or laboratory, including the exact starting time, end time, and any container or preservative requirements. Keep the container refrigerated if instructed, do not withhold urine, and mention supplements, medications, or unusual dietary changes to your clinician.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated ratio may indicate increased taurine excretion or reduced muscle mass, and it can occur with some inherited muscle or metabolic disorders, nutritional changes, or medication and supplement use. A lower ratio may reflect reduced taurine production or intake, impaired kidney handling, or other clinical factors. The result should be interpreted with symptoms, examination findings, and other tests because an abnormal ratio alone does not establish a diagnosis.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Taurine/Creatinine Ratio
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to collect every urine sample for 24 hours?
Why is the result reported as a ratio?
Can taurine supplements affect this 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