Zinc/Creatinine Ratio, Urine
This urine test measures zinc relative to creatinine, helping assess zinc excretion and body zinc status when urine collection is appropriate.
["The result can help identify unusually high or low urinary zinc excretion when interpreted with your symptoms and medical history."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13473-4
- Short code
- Zinc/Creat Ur
- Synonyms
- Zinc/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 the amount of zinc in urine compared with the amount of creatinine. Creatinine is used to account for urine concentration, so the ratio can help show how much zinc is being lost in the urine.
Why might I need this test?
A urinary zinc/creatinine ratio may be used to evaluate suspected zinc deficiency or excess urinary zinc loss. It may also help monitor people with conditions that affect zinc absorption, such as some gastrointestinal or inherited disorders.
How is the test performed?
You provide a urine sample, which is tested for zinc and creatinine. The laboratory calculates the zinc-to-creatinine ratio. Your clinician may request a spot urine sample or a timed collection, depending on the reason for testing.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by your healthcare professional or laboratory. If a timed collection is requested, record the start and end times and collect all urine during that period. Do not change your diet or take zinc supplements unless your clinician specifically instructs you to do so.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A low ratio may be associated with insufficient zinc intake, impaired absorption, increased body requirements, or loss through other routes. A high ratio may reflect increased urinary zinc loss, intake of zinc supplements, or another condition affecting zinc handling. Results should be interpreted with symptoms, diet, medications, and other laboratory tests because urine zinc alone does not establish a diagnosis.
Short name
Urinary Zinc/Creatinine Ratio
Frequently asked questions
Does this test measure zinc in the blood?
Why is creatinine included in the result?
Do I need to stop taking zinc supplements before the test?
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