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Tetradecanedioate/Creatinine, Urine — Ratio

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

A urine test that measures tetradecenedioate relative to creatinine. It may be used in the evaluation of disorders of fatty-acid metabolism.

Quick summary

["This test helps identify unusual fatty-acid breakdown products that may be linked to a metabolic disorder."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
50062-9
Short code
Tdecenedioate/Creat Ur-sRto
Synonyms
Tdecenedioate/Creat Ur-sRto
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 tetradecanedioate, a dicarboxylic acid that can appear in urine, and compares its amount with the urine creatinine level. The ratio helps account for differences in urine concentration.

Why might I need this test?

It may be ordered when symptoms suggest a problem with fatty-acid metabolism or energy production, especially in a child with poor growth, muscle weakness, episodes of low blood sugar, or episodes of illness. Results are usually interpreted with other urine, blood, and genetic tests.

How is the test performed?

A urine specimen is collected and analyzed in the laboratory. The laboratory calculates the amount of tetradecenedioate relative to the amount of creatinine in the same sample. A random sample or timed collection may be used, depending on the order.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the laboratory's collection instructions and tell the clinician about any changes to your diet, fasting, medicines, or supplements. If a 24-hour collection is requested, collect all urine during the specified period and store it as directed.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

An elevated tetradecanedioate-to-creatinine ratio may indicate impaired fatty-acid breakdown, including certain mitochondrial or metabolic disorders. Interpretation depends on symptoms, diet, age, urine collection quality, and other laboratory findings. This result should be reviewed by a clinician familiar with metabolic testing.

Short name

Urine tetradecanedioate-to-creatinine ratio

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as a routine urine test?
No. Tetradecenedioate is a specialized urine analyte used mainly to evaluate suspected fatty-acid metabolism disorders.
Why is the result divided by creatinine?
Creatinine helps show how concentrated the urine is. Using the ratio reduces the effect of variations in urine concentration.
Does an abnormal result confirm a diagnosis?
No. It may guide further evaluation, but a diagnosis usually requires the medical history, additional laboratory testing, and sometimes genetic testing.
  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