Pathology tests database

Sample and container requirements

Plain Spot Urine

Minimum volume required

Special requirements

None

Patient preparation

Early morning urine sample preferred

Sample viability

Turnaround time

This assay is run throughout the day and night. The in-lab turnaround time is normally less than 24 hours. The test can be ordered as an urgent request.

Reference range

<15 mg/mmol Creatinine: Normal 15 – 49 mg/mmol Creatinine: Trace Proteinuria. Consider ACEI or ARB in diabetes. 50 – 99 mg/mmol Creatinine: Significant proteinuria. Repeat using early am sample. Consider ACEI or ARB in hypertension. 100 – 300 mg/mmol Creatinine: High proteinuria. If new finding, seek nephrology advice regardless of eGFR. >300 mg/mmol Creatinine: “Nephrotic range” proteinuria. If new finding, seek nephrology advice regardless of eGFR. Urine PCR in pregnancy (NICE NG133): in women with hypertension, a urine PCR ≥30 mg/mmol indicates significant proteinuria.

Clinical guidance

The urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (PCR or UPCR) measures the amount of protein in urine relative to creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism. This test helps assess kidney function and detect proteinuria, which can indicate kidney damage or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Please refer to LabTestsOnlineUK to learn more about UPCR. https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/urine-protein-and-urine-protein-creatinine-ratio

Notes

Urine ACR is the preferred test for the initial detection of proteinuria, as it is more sensitive than PCR for low levels of albuminuria. In pregnancy, urine PCR is the preferred test for assessing proteinuria.