Valine/Creatinine Ratio, Urine
Measures urine valine relative to creatinine, helping assess valine excretion and how the body handles this amino acid.
["This urine test can help identify unusually high or low valine excretion and guide evaluation of possible metabolic or nutritional causes."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13822-2
- Short code
- Valine/Creat Ur
- Synonyms
- Valine/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 valine, an amino acid, in the urine and compares its amount with urine creatinine. The ratio helps account for differences in urine concentration, making the result easier to interpret.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order it to evaluate how your body processes valine, particularly when symptoms or laboratory findings suggest an inherited metabolic condition, nutritional concern, or abnormal amino acid excretion.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is tested to determine the amounts of valine and creatinine, and the valine-to-creatinine ratio is calculated. The sample may be a first-morning, timed, or random collection, depending on the instructions provided by your clinician.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by your healthcare professional, including whether a first-morning sample or a timed collection is required. Record the collection time and inform the laboratory if your diet has recently changed substantially or if you take medicines or supplements that could affect urine amino acid levels.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated urine valine-to-creatinine ratio may indicate increased valine excretion, which can occur with certain inherited metabolic disorders, high protein intake, or other changes in amino acid metabolism. A lower ratio may reflect low dietary intake, low urine concentration, or reduced excretion. Results should be interpreted with age, diet, symptoms, and other laboratory findings because reference ranges vary.
Short name
Urine Valine/Creatinine Ratio
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a blood valine test?
Why is creatinine included in the result?
Can diet or supplements 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