All tests › Urine tests

Urine protein to creatinine ratio

Urine tests · PCR · also printed as PCR, Urine PCR, uPCR, Protein:creatinine ratio, Protein creatinine ratio

Typical UK adult rangebelow 15 mg/mmol

Below 15 mg/mmol is typical; 30 is the pregnancy threshold most UK units use.

What this test measures

The PCR measures all protein in urine, not only albumin, relative to creatinine. It is used when the protein leak is large enough that ACR is no longer the best measure.

Why doctors request it

Kidney specialists use it to follow heavier protein leak, and it is the test used in pregnancy when pre-eclampsia is being checked for.

What commonly pushes it up

Kidney conditions with heavy protein loss
Pre-eclampsia in pregnancy
Infection or blood in the sample
Fever and heavy exercise

What commonly pushes it down

Treatment of the underlying kidney condition

Everyday reasons for a value outside the range

Roughly, a PCR of 15 corresponds to an ACR of 3
Infection and periods contaminate it

About the sample

Early-morning sample preferred.

Written by a UK consultant physician. Typical UK adult reference ranges; your laboratory's own printed range takes precedence.

Got a report with Urine protein to creatinine ratio on it?

Upload a photo or PDF and see every line against the range your lab printed, explained in plain English. First report free.

Read my report free

This is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.