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Total Urinary Calcium-to-Creatinine Ratio

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

Measures urine calcium relative to urine creatinine, helping assess calcium excretion while accounting for urine concentration.

Quick summary

["This test helps evaluate whether you are excreting an unusually high or low amount of calcium in your urine."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
26770-8
Short code
TCA/Creat Ur
Synonyms
TCA/Creat 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 calcium in urine compared with the amount of creatinine. Creatinine is a waste product that can help show how concentrated the urine is.

Why might I need this test?

It may be used to evaluate calcium excretion, particularly in people with kidney stones or other conditions that may cause too much calcium in the urine. It is also commonly used in children.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is tested to determine its calcium and creatinine concentrations, and the results are used to calculate the calcium-to-creatinine ratio. The sample may be a single urine collection or a timed collection, depending on the order.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the collection instructions provided by your healthcare professional. If a timed collection is required, record when collection began and ended and collect all urine for the specified period.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine Calcium/Creatinine Ratio

Frequently asked questions

What does the urine calcium-to-creatinine ratio show?
It estimates calcium excretion relative to urine concentration, making it easier to compare results across samples or patients.
Is this the same as a 24-hour urine calcium test?
No. A 24-hour urine calcium test measures calcium collected over a full day, while this ratio may be calculated from a single urine sample or another specified collection.
What can affect the result?
Dietary calcium, vitamin D, hydration, medications, kidney function, and the type and timing of urine collection can all 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