Zinc-to-Creatinine Ratio, 24-Hour Urine
Measures zinc relative to creatinine in urine collected for 24 hours to help evaluate zinc levels and urinary zinc excretion.
["This test can help assess zinc balance, including possible excess supplementation or inadequate zinc intake."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50940-6
- Short code
- Zinc/Creat 24h Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- Zinc/Creat 24h 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 the amount of zinc in a 24-hour urine collection relative to creatinine. Zinc is an essential mineral involved in many body functions, and the test may be used to evaluate zinc intake, supplementation, absorption, or loss in the urine.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test when zinc deficiency or excess is suspected. It may be useful in people with nutritional problems, conditions that affect nutrient absorption, symptoms suggesting excess zinc exposure, or symptoms associated with increased urination.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine produced during a full 24-hour period in the container provided by the laboratory. The collection is then submitted for measurement of zinc and creatinine, and the zinc result is interpreted relative to the creatinine result.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions and record when the collection begins and ends. Do not stop prescribed supplements or make major dietary changes unless your clinician instructs you to do so. Ask the laboratory whether the container should be refrigerated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A higher-than-expected zinc result may reflect recent supplementation, excessive intake, or increased release of zinc from the body. A lower-than-expected result may be associated with inadequate dietary intake, poor absorption, or increased urinary losses. The creatinine measurement and the completeness of the 24-hour collection help the clinician interpret the result, but symptoms and medical history are also important.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Zinc/Creatinine Ratio
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to collect all urine for exactly 24 hours?
Should I stop taking a zinc supplement before this test?
What can affect the urine zinc 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