Comprehensive Urine Protein and Creatinine Ratio (24-Hour Collection)
This test measures the total protein and creatinine levels in your urine over 24 hours to help assess kidney function and detect protein loss in urine, which can signal kidney damage or other conditions.
["Helps identify kidney issues by tracking protein loss over a full day’s urine output."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33238-7
- Short code
- Tri-Phos Cry Ur Ql Comp Assist
- Synonyms
- Tri-Phos Cry Ur Ql Comp Assist
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- computer-assisted
- 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
Why This Test Matters for Kidney Health
Kidneys filter waste and excess substances from your blood, including proteins. If proteins leak into urine, it may indicate kidney problems like glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, or other conditions. This test helps monitor protein loss over time without needing multiple urine samples.
How the Test Works
You’ll collect all urine for a full 24-hour period in a container. The urine is then sent to the lab, where it’s analyzed for total protein and creatinine levels. Creatinine is a waste product naturally produced by muscles and used as a marker for kidney function.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but drink plenty of water to ensure normal urine flow. Avoid excessive protein-rich foods or medications that may affect protein levels (like some NSAIDs) unless instructed by your doctor.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll start and end the collection at the same time each day. Empty your bladder at the start and end, then collect all urine in a clean container. Label the container with your name and the start/end times.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A high protein-to-creatinine ratio in urine may signal kidney damage, such as glomerulonephritis, diabetic kidney disease, or other conditions causing protein leakage. A normal ratio suggests healthy kidney filtration. This test is especially useful for detecting early kidney problems in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio
Frequently asked questions
How long will I need to collect urine for this test?
Can I eat or drink anything special before this test?
What does a high or low ratio mean?
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