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Vanadium/Creatinine Ratio, Urine

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

A urine test that measures vanadium relative to creatinine, helping account for differences in urine concentration when evaluating possible vanadium exposure.

Quick summary

["This test evaluates urinary vanadium in relation to creatinine and may help assess recent vanadium exposure."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
13831-3
Short code
Vanadium/Creat Ur
Synonyms
Vanadium/Creat Ur
Category
kidney
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
86038
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 the amount of vanadium in urine and compares it with the amount of creatinine. Creatinine is used to help adjust the vanadium result for how concentrated or dilute the urine sample is.

Why might I need this test?

It may be ordered to evaluate exposure to vanadium from supplements, occupational sources, contaminated foods or water, or other environmental sources. It is generally a specialized test rather than part of routine screening.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and analyzed in a laboratory. The laboratory measures vanadium and creatinine and calculates their ratio.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the laboratory's urine-collection instructions and tell your clinician about vanadium-containing supplements, medicines, occupational exposure, or supplements used in the days before collection. Do not stop prescribed medicines without medical advice.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urinary vanadium-to-creatinine ratio

Frequently asked questions

What does the vanadium-to-creatinine ratio show?
It shows the amount of vanadium in urine relative to creatinine. Using creatinine helps account for variation in urine concentration.
Is this the same as a standard kidney function test?
No. Creatinine is included as a reference measurement, but the main purpose of this test is to evaluate urinary vanadium exposure rather than diagnose kidney disease.
Can supplements affect the result?
Yes. Vanadium-containing supplements and some exposure sources can raise urinary vanadium levels. Tell your clinician about any supplements or possible environmental or occupational exposure.
  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