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Urate-to-Creatinine Ratio, Urine

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

A urine test that compares uric acid (urate) with creatinine to help assess how much uric acid is being excreted.

Quick summary

["This ratio helps evaluate uric acid excretion, particularly when urine concentration or kidney stone risk is a concern."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
3089-0
Short code
Urate/Creat Ur
Synonyms
Urate/Creat Ur
Category
kidney
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Ref low
3.5
Ref high
7.2
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?

The urine urate-to-creatinine ratio is calculated from the amounts of uric acid and creatinine in a urine sample. Creatinine helps account for how concentrated or dilute the urine is, making the ratio more useful than a uric acid measurement alone.

Why might I need this test?

This test may help evaluate uric acid excretion, investigate abnormal uric acid levels, or assess kidney stone risk. It can also be used in evaluating conditions or medicines that affect uric acid production or removal.

How is the test performed?

You provide a urine sample, and the laboratory measures urate and creatinine before calculating the ratio. The type of urine collection depends on your clinician's instructions; a timed collection may be requested when a more complete assessment of excretion is needed.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the urine collection instructions provided by your clinician or laboratory. Do not change your diet or stop medicines unless instructed, and tell the laboratory if you have recently taken medicines that affect uric acid.

Reference range

NCBI: Uric Acid Male 3.5-7.2 mg/dL; Female 2.5-6.8 mg/dLN/A

Specimen: urine

No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine urate-to-creatinine ratio

Frequently asked questions

Does this test show how much uric acid is in my blood?
No. It uses a urine sample to assess uric acid excretion. Your clinician may also order a blood uric acid test.
Is a single urine sample enough?
A spot urine ratio can be useful, but results can vary with diet and urine concentration. A timed urine collection may be requested for more reliable assessment.
Can medicines affect the result?
Yes. Diuretics and other medicines can alter uric acid levels and urine excretion. Do not stop prescribed medicines without discussing them with your clinician.
  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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy