Lab test · Nephrology
Urine Protein-Creatinine Ratio (PCR)
Protein loss in urine, kidneys
- Urine sample
- No fasting
- Report within 24 hours
- Home collection
What this test is for
Protein loss in urine, kidneys
This test measures the total protein and the creatinine in a single urine sample and compares them. Because creatinine passes into urine at a fairly steady rate, the ratio gives a good estimate of how much protein the kidneys are losing over a whole day, without a 24-hour collection. Your doctor uses it to detect and monitor protein leaking through damaged kidney filters.
Why a doctor may order it
- When a routine urine test shows protein
- To measure and follow protein loss in kidney disease, including nephrotic syndrome
- To check for pre-eclampsia in pregnancy when blood pressure is raised
- To monitor kidney involvement in conditions such as lupus
- To see how protein loss responds to treatment
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
Food and drink are fine before this test. Ideally use the first urine of the morning. Intense exercise, a fever, a urine infection or your period can raise urine protein for a while, so mention any of these to your doctor.
At home
- Sample
- Urine sample
- How it works
- Use the sterile container provided to catch a midstream urine sample, ideally the first urine of the morning. Screw the lid on firmly and hand it to the trained collector, who labels it and delivers it to the laboratory.
- Report
- Within 24 hours of collection.
What the results can mean
The report gives the ratio with the laboratory's reference range. A raised ratio means more protein than expected is passing into the urine, which can come from kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or, in pregnancy, pre-eclampsia. Short-lived rises can follow fever, infection or exercise. Your doctor will interpret the result and may repeat it or order further tests before reaching a conclusion.
What's included
One test: Urine Protein-Creatinine Ratio (PCR), from one urine sample.
Related tests
- Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR)This test compares the amount of albumin, a protein, with the amount of creatinine, a waste product, in a single urine sample.
- Urine Routine Examination (Urine R/E)A urine routine examination, also called urinalysis, looks at your urine in three ways: its appearance, its chemistry (such as protein, sugar and acidity) and, under a microscope, any cells, crystals or bacteria.
- Kidney Function Test (RFT)A kidney function test, also called a renal function test (RFT), is a group of blood tests that show how well your kidneys are filtering waste from the blood.
- Serum AlbuminAlbumin is the main protein in the blood and is made by the liver.
- Serum ChlorideSalt & water balance৳150
- Cystatin CKidney filtering rate৳2,500
Questions people ask
What is the difference between urine PCR and urine ACR?
PCR measures all proteins in the urine, while ACR measures only albumin. ACR is more sensitive for early kidney damage, especially in diabetes, and PCR is often used to measure larger amounts of protein loss.
Is a spot PCR as good as a 24-hour urine protein test?
For most purposes it is a reliable and much easier estimate. In some situations your doctor may still ask for a 24-hour collection for a more complete measure.
Is protein in the urine always serious?
Not always. Fever, exercise, standing for long periods or an infection can cause a temporary rise. Protein that stays raised on repeat tests needs checking by your doctor.
How much does a Urine PCR test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳500, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the Urine PCR test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the urine sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the Urine PCR report take?
The report is usually ready within 24 hours of the sample being collected.