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Valine-to-Creatinine Ratio, Urine

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

Measures urinary valine relative to creatinine, helping evaluate valine excretion and possible abnormalities in branched-chain amino acid metabolism.

Quick summary

["This urine test can help identify increased valine excretion, which may occur with certain inherited metabolic disorders."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
22692-8
Short code
Valine/Creat Ur-sRto
Synonyms
Valine/Creat Ur-sRto
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 and creatinine in urine and calculates their ratio. Creatinine is used as an adjustment for differences in urine concentration.

Why might I need this test?

The test may be used to investigate an inherited disorder of branched-chain amino acid metabolism, particularly maple syrup urine disease. It may also be ordered when symptoms or laboratory findings suggest an unusual amount of valine in the body.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and analyzed in a laboratory. The laboratory measures the amount of valine and creatinine and reports the valine-to-creatinine ratio.

How do I prepare for the test?

Fasting is usually not required, but follow any instructions from your clinician about collection timing or diet. If a 24-hour collection is requested, be sure to collect all urine for the specified period.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine valine/creatinine ratio

Frequently asked questions

What does the valine-to-creatinine ratio show?
It shows how much valine is present in urine relative to creatinine. The creatinine adjustment helps account for variation in how concentrated a urine sample is.
What conditions can cause a high result?
A high result may occur with maple syrup urine disease or other disturbances of branched-chain amino acid metabolism. Diet, hydration, and other clinical factors may also affect the result.
Is this the same as a 24-hour urine test?
Not necessarily. Some results are based on a single urine sample, while others require all urine collected over 24 hours; follow the collection instructions provided with the order.
  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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy