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Zinc/Creatinine Ratio, Urine

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

Measures urine zinc relative to urine creatinine, helping assess zinc levels while accounting for how concentrated the urine is.

Quick summary

["This ratio adjusts urine zinc for urine concentration and is interpreted alongside clinical findings to assess zinc status."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
34389-7
Short code
Zinc/Creat Ur-sRto
Synonyms
Zinc/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 the amount of zinc in urine and compares it with the amount of creatinine in the same sample. Creatinine is used to account for differences in urine concentration.

Why might I need this test?

A doctor may use this test to evaluate zinc status or investigate conditions associated with poor zinc intake, malabsorption, increased intestinal or urinary losses, or unusual zinc exposure. It may also help monitor people taking zinc supplements.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and tested for zinc and creatinine. The laboratory calculates the zinc-to-creatinine ratio. The type and timing of urine collection should follow the instructions provided by the healthcare professional ordering the test.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the laboratory's urine collection instructions, including any specified collection time. Tell your clinician about zinc supplements and other zinc-containing products, because recent use can affect the result; do not stop supplements unless instructed.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

A low zinc-to-creatinine ratio may be associated with inadequate intake, poor absorption, increased loss, or conditions that impair zinc utilization. A high ratio may reflect recent supplementation, excess intake, or increased urinary release of zinc. Results should be interpreted with symptoms, diet, supplement use, other laboratory tests, and the type of urine collection.

Short name

Urine zinc/creatinine ratio

Frequently asked questions

Why is creatinine included in this urine test?
Creatinine helps show how concentrated the urine is. Including it makes the zinc result less dependent on variations in urine volume.
Can zinc supplements affect the result?
Yes. Recent zinc supplementation or use of other zinc-containing products can increase urine zinc, so the healthcare professional should be told about them.
Does an abnormal result diagnose a zinc deficiency by itself?
No. Urinary zinc results must be considered with symptoms, dietary and supplement history, medical conditions, and other laboratory findings.
  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