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Tellurium-to-Creatinine Ratio, Urine

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

Measures urinary tellurium relative to urinary creatinine. Creatinine adjustment helps account for differences in urine concentration when evaluating tellurium exposure.

Quick summary

["This test helps determine whether a person has increased urinary tellurium, which may occur after exposure to tellurium."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
52919-8
Short code
Tellurium/Creat Ur-sRto
Synonyms
Tellurium/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 tellurium, a trace element, in urine and compares its amount with the amount of creatinine in the same sample. The ratio helps account for how concentrated or dilute the urine is.

Why might I need this test?

It may be ordered to evaluate exposure to tellurium, particularly in someone who works with metals, industrial materials, or contaminated environments. It may also be used to follow the effectiveness of exposure-control measures.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and analyzed in a laboratory. The laboratory measures tellurium and creatinine and calculates their ratio. Collection may be random or timed, depending on the instructions provided by your healthcare professional.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the laboratory's urine-collection instructions and note the collection time. Tell your clinician about any occupational exposure, supplements, or medicines that may contain tellurium, because these can affect interpretation.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine tellurium ratio

Frequently asked questions

What does an elevated result mean?
It may indicate that more tellurium than expected is being excreted in the urine, which can occur after occupational, environmental, or supplement-related exposure. Your clinician will interpret the result in the context of your exposure history.
Why is the result divided by creatinine?
Urine concentration can vary from very dilute to highly concentrated. Comparing tellurium with creatinine helps reduce the effect of urine dilution and provides a more useful measure of tellurium excretion.
Does this test measure kidney function?
No. Creatinine is included mainly to adjust the urine tellurium result for concentration, not to provide a standard assessment of kidney function. A separate blood creatinine or eGFR test may be used to evaluate kidney function.
  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