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Thallium and Creatinine, Urine

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

Measures thallium in urine and includes urine creatinine, which helps account for urine concentration when interpreting the thallium result.

Quick summary

["This urine test can help assess thallium exposure, while creatinine helps account for differences in urine concentration."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
42226-1
Short code
Thallium/Creat Ur-sRto
Synonyms
Thallium/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 the amount of thallium, a heavy metal, in your urine. It also measures urine creatinine, which can be used to account for how concentrated or dilute the urine sample is.

Why might I need this test?

Urine thallium testing may be ordered if there has been possible exposure to thallium, such as through contaminated food, water, industrial chemicals, or certain medications. It may also be used to follow an exposure or evaluate treatment.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and analyzed in the laboratory for thallium and creatinine. Your clinician will interpret the results using the type of sample collected, the collection period, and your exposure history.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow your clinician's instructions about when and how to collect urine. If a timed or 24-hour collection is requested, record the start and finish times and collect all urine during that period; otherwise, use the container and collection instructions provided by the laboratory.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine thallium with creatinine

Frequently asked questions

What does an elevated urine thallium level mean?
It may indicate exposure to thallium, but the result alone does not establish the source, severity, or timing of exposure. Your clinician will consider symptoms, possible contact with thallium, and other laboratory findings.
Why is creatinine measured with urine thallium?
Urine concentration can vary from person to person and from sample to sample. Creatinine helps the laboratory account for that variation when interpreting the thallium result.
Does this test require fasting?
Fasting is not generally required, but your clinician may give specific instructions if a timed collection is needed. Always follow the collection directions provided with the test.
  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