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Thiocyanate/Creatinine Ratio, Urine

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

A urine test that measures thiocyanate relative to creatinine. It may be used to help evaluate exposure to cyanide or cyanide-containing medicines.

Quick summary

["An elevated urine thiocyanate/creatinine ratio can suggest recent cyanide exposure, but results must be interpreted with the clinical context."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
21562-4
Short code
Thiocyanate/Creat Ur
Synonyms
Thiocyanate/Creat Ur
Category
kidney
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
86038
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 thiocyanate, a substance produced in the body when cyanide is broken down, in relation to creatinine, a waste product that indicates how concentrated the urine sample is. The ratio helps account for differences in urine concentration.

Why might I need this test?

The test may be ordered to assess exposure to cyanide, including exposure associated with certain medicines or occupational settings. It may also be used during follow-up to monitor how the body is processing cyanide.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and tested in a laboratory to determine the amounts of thiocyanate and creatinine. The laboratory then calculates the thiocyanate-to-creatinine ratio.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the collection instructions provided by your healthcare professional or laboratory. If a 24-hour collection is requested, collect all urine for the specified period and record the total volume as instructed.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

A higher-than-expected ratio may indicate that the body is breaking down an increased amount of cyanide. This can occur after exposure to cyanide-containing substances or certain medications, such as sodium nitroprusside. Results should be interpreted with exposure history, symptoms, medications, and other laboratory findings.

Short name

Urine thiocyanate/creatinine ratio

Frequently asked questions

What is thiocyanate?
Thiocyanate is a substance formed when the body breaks down cyanide. It can be measured in urine to help evaluate recent cyanide exposure.
Why is the result divided by creatinine?
Urine concentration can vary from person to person and from sample to sample. Dividing by creatinine helps compare thiocyanate levels more consistently.
Does an elevated result always mean cyanide poisoning?
No. Elevated results can reflect exposure, certain medications, or other factors and should be interpreted by a healthcare professional alongside the clinical context.
  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