Thiosulfate-to-Creatinine Ratio, Urine
Measures urinary thiosulfate relative to urine creatinine to account for differences in urine concentration.
["This urine test helps evaluate how your body is processing sulfur-containing compounds."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12421-4
- Short code
- Thiosulfate/Creat Ur
- Synonyms
- Thiosulfate/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 thiosulfate, a sulfur-containing compound produced during metabolism, in your urine. The result is compared with urine creatinine, which helps account for how concentrated or dilute the urine sample is.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be used to evaluate suspected disorders of sulfur metabolism, especially in children with unexplained developmental, neurologic, or feeding problems. It can also help assess treatment or nutritional changes related to a suspected disorder.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is tested for thiosulfate and creatinine, and the two measurements are used to calculate the thiosulfate-to-creatinine ratio. The type of urine collection, such as a single sample or a timed collection, depends on the laboratory's instructions.
How do I prepare for the test?
Special preparation is not usually required, but you should follow the collection instructions provided by the laboratory. These may specify a first-morning, random, or timed urine sample and may include dietary restrictions for certain metabolic tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated ratio may indicate increased production of thiosulfate or reduced ability to process sulfur-containing compounds. This can occur with rare inherited disorders such as sulfite oxidase deficiency or molybdenum cofactor deficiency. Results must be interpreted with symptoms, other laboratory tests, and sometimes confirmatory genetic or enzyme testing.
Short name
Urine thiosulfate/creatinine ratio
Frequently asked questions
Does an elevated result mean I have a serious disorder?
Why is creatinine included in this test?
How is the urine sample collected?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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