Urea-to-Creatinine Ratio, Urine
A urine test that compares urea with creatinine to help assess hydration and how the kidneys are handling protein breakdown products.
["This ratio can provide context about hydration and kidney function, but it should be interpreted with other results and medical history."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 59786-4
- Short code
- Urea/Creat Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- Urea/Creat Ur-sRto
- Category
- kidney
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 7
- Ref high
- 20
- Critical range
- — – 100 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84520
- SNOMED
- 2739004
- 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 urea-to-creatinine ratio compares the amount of urea in urine with the amount of creatinine. Urea reflects protein breakdown, while creatinine is produced by muscle metabolism and is commonly used to assess kidney function.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be used alongside other kidney and nutritional assessments, particularly when evaluating dehydration, changes in urine output, or possible kidney dysfunction. A random urine sample is commonly used unless your clinician requests a timed collection.
How is the test performed?
Urine urea and urine creatinine are measured in the laboratory, and the ratio is calculated from the results. The urine sample may also be evaluated for other substances or abnormalities.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by your healthcare professional. For a random urine test, a clean-catch midstream sample is usually collected; tell the laboratory if you have recently taken diuretics or other medicines that may affect the result.
Reference range
Adult: 7-20 mg/dLN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A higher ratio may occur with dehydration, increased protein breakdown, high protein intake, or certain medicines. A lower ratio can be associated with impaired kidney function, low protein intake, or reduced urea production from liver disease. The result depends on hydration, diet, medicines, and urine collection timing, so it should not be interpreted in isolation.
Short name
Urine urea/creatinine ratio
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a blood urea-to-creatinine ratio?
Does the test require a 24-hour urine collection?
Can diet or medicines affect the result?
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