Laboratory Lab results are too important to go anywhere else.

Protein Creatinine Ratio, Urine

Urine Protein/Creatinine Ratio, Protein/Creatinine Ratio, Urine

Test Codes

24-Hour Urine: EPIC: LAB7082, Beaker: PCU24, Random Urine: EPIC: LAB5451, Beaker: UPCR, Antrim: 18240

Department

Chemistry

Instructions

Note: 24-hour and random urine specimens MUST be collected separately. See below for collection criteria.

Please refer to the Specimen Collection Manual for instructions on 24-Hour or Random Urine Collection:

• Urine 24-Hour Collection - Inpatient
• Urine 24-Hour Collection - Outpatient
• Urine 24-Hour Collection - Outreach
• Random Urine Collection

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: 24-hour urine or timed urine specimen with a 24-hour urine container with with 10g Boric Acid added prior to the start of collection.
Also acceptable: Random urine specimen in a screw-capped container or another sterile collection cup. (Minimum: 20 mL) 

• Refer to the table of Urine Preservative Options when multiple tests are requested.
• Keep 24-hour urine specimen iced or refrigerated during collection.
• Include start and end dates and times for the collection period on the specimen container.

Urine Preservative Options
No Preservative	6N Hydrochloric Acid	Boric Acid (10g)	Sodium Carbonate	50% Acetic Acid
Preferred	Unacceptable	Acceptable	Unacceptable	Unacceptable

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain specimens refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Random urine, or entire 24-hour urine collection, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Rejection Criteria

Specimens not collected and processed as indicated. 

In-Lab Processing

Measure total volume of 24-hour urine specimen. Record total volume and collection start and end dates and times in the LIS system. Aliquot a minimum of 10 mL from the well-mixed 24-hour urine collection.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): For longer storage.

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days (Royal Oak and Troy store an aliquot for 30 days.)

Laboratory

Dearborn Chemistry Laboratory
Farmington Hills Laboratory
Grosse Pointe Chemistry Laboratory
Royal Oak Automated Chemistry Laboratory
Troy Chemistry Laboratory
Wayne Chemistry Laboratory 

Performed

Sunday – Saturday.
Results available within 24 hours.

Reference Range

Urine Protein Creatinine Ration: Less than 0.20.

Test Methodology

Spectrophotometry.

Interpretation

This test includes a Urine Protein and a Urine Creatinine assay.

Clinical Utility

This ratio is intended to supplement the investigation of proteinuria and should be used when a rapid determination of urinary protein loss is important. To determine a more accurate assessment of proteinuria, a 24-hour urine collection is recommended.

CPT Codes

82570, 84156.

Contacts

Last Updated

10/30/2023