Protein/Creatinine Ratio

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation required
Urine sample must preferably be the midstream urine (part of urine that comes after first and before the last stream). Collect the urine sample in a sealed and sterile container provided by our sample collection professional. Make sure that the container doesn't come in contact with your skin. Women are advised not to give the sample during the menstrual period unless prescribed.

Understanding Protein/Creatinine Ratio

What is Protein/Creatinine Ratio?

The Protein/Creatinine Ratio test is performed to screen for excessive proteins excreted in the urine to monitor kidney function. Creatinine protein is a byproduct of muscle metabolism and is normally released into the urine at a constant rate.

The Protein/Creatinine ratio test is done to monitor kidney functioning, to check for damage in case of the condition affecting the kidney, and efficacy of treatment on already affected kidneys.

Proteinuria in the urine helps identification of early kidney damage which is almost always asymptomatic. Persistent and/or an increased amount of protein in the urine may indicate kidney damage or disease.

The goal of this test is to detect kidney disease and damage early to minimize the damage and prolong kidney function.

What is Protein/Creatinine Ratio used for?

The Protein/Creatinine Ratio is done:

To monitor kidney functioning as a part of a routine checkup or as part of a follow-up to a previous positive urine protein test
To check for damage when the patient is suffering from a condition that affects the kidneys
To see if a kidney function is responding to the suggested treatment
If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI)

What does Protein/Creatinine Ratio measure?

The Protein/Creatinine Ratio measures the excessive protein excreted in the urine. The urine protein tests measure the protein which is released into the urine. Normally, the urine protein elimination is less than 150 mg/day and less than 30 mg of albumin/day. Temporarily raised levels may be seen in conditions such as stress, infections, pregnancy, cold exposure, diet, or heavy exercise.

Appearance of persistent protein discharge in the urine suggests possible kidney damage or requirement of additional testsing to know the cause.

Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism. Normally, creatinine is released into the urine at a constant rate.

In a normal functioning kidney, the filtered proteins are retained or reabsorbed and sent back to the blood. Whereas, if any damage is caused to the kidneys then it may affect their functioning which may cause detectable amounts of protein extracted into the urine.

Interpreting Protein/Creatinine Ratio results

Interpretations

Protein/Creatinine Ratio	Remarks
<0.20	Normal
0.20- 1.00	Low-grade proteinuria
1.00 - 5.00	Moderate proteinuria
> 5.00	Nephrosis

Reference range may vary from lab to lab*

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Protein/Creatinine Ratio

Frequently Asked Questions about Protein/Creatinine Ratio

Q. What do the results of Protein/Creatinine ratio mean?

Negative Protein/Creatinine ratio means that no detectable amount of protein is present in the urine. If protein is detected in a random urine sample, it can be due to infection, medication, vigorous exercise, pregnancy, diet, cold exposure, emotional, or physical stress. Persistent appearance of protein in urine can be a sign of kidney damage.

Q. With what diseases or conditions, proteinuria may be associated?

Proteinuria may be associated with diseases or conditions such as urinary tract infection, lupus, preeclampsia in pregnant women, hypertension, multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, bladder cancer, congestive heart failure, diabetes, therapies toxic to kidneys, heavy metal syndrome, and Goodpasture syndrome.

Q. How is the urine sample collected?

As the test is performed on the urine sample. It is essential to prevent contamination of the sample with microorganisms naturally present on the skin. During urine collection, women should spread the labia (outer lips of the vagina) while men should retract or pull back the foreskin (fold of skin covering the glans or head of the penis). Start urinating normally and let some urine flow before collecting 20 to 30 ml urine the sterilized container available from the lab or any pharmacy. After collecting the sample, finish urinating into the toilet or urinal. This process is called midstream clean catch method. The urine sample may also be collected using a catheter inserted through the urethra directly into the urinary bladder. Sample collected through a catheter usually has no contamination.

+ more

Other tests

Other similar tests

Kidney Health Screen

Urine Culture and Sensitivity

Glucose Challenge Test, Pregnancy DIPSI ,75g Glucose, 2hrs

Creatinine with eGFR

Cortisol, Serum (Morning Sample)

Urinary Tract Infection Panel

Protein - Random (Spot) Urine

Urine Ketone, Qualitative

NCCT Scan KUB

Culture AFB, Urine