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Taurine/Creatinine Ratio, Urine

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

A urine test that measures taurine relative to creatinine, helping assess the body’s taurine status while accounting for urine concentration.

Quick summary

["This test evaluates urinary taurine relative to creatinine to help assess taurine status and identify possible deficiency or excess."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
28595-7
Short code
Taurine/Creat Ur-Rto
Synonyms
Taurine/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 taurine/creatinine ratio measures the amount of taurine in urine compared with the amount of creatinine. Creatinine is used as a reference because its urine level varies with urine concentration, making the ratio easier to interpret.

Why might I need this test?

This test may be used to assess taurine status, particularly in infants, people with nutritional concerns, or those taking or not taking taurine supplements. It can also help evaluate abnormal taurine metabolism.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and tested to determine the concentrations of taurine and creatinine. The laboratory then calculates the ratio of one value to the other.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the urine-collection instructions provided by your healthcare professional. Inform the clinician about taurine supplements, infant formula use, unusual diets, and any medicines, because these can affect the result.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

An elevated ratio may occur with recent taurine supplementation, high dietary intake, reduced taurine metabolism, or conditions that increase urinary taurine loss. A lower ratio may suggest insufficient taurine availability in some clinical settings. Interpretation depends on age, diet, supplement use, kidney function, and the laboratory’s reference population, so results should be reviewed with a healthcare professional.

Short name

Urine Taurine/Creatinine Ratio

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as a standard urine creatinine test?
No. This test includes measurement of urinary taurine and reports it as a ratio to urinary creatinine rather than reporting creatinine alone.
Does a high taurine/creatinine ratio always mean a health problem?
No. The ratio can be higher because of supplementation, formula, diet, or normal differences in metabolism, so it must be interpreted alongside the rest of the medical evaluation.
What type of urine sample is needed?
A random urine sample is commonly used unless your clinician requests a timed collection. Follow the laboratory’s specific collection instructions and provide any relevant supplement or feeding information.
  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