Protein Creatinine Ratio Calculator
Table of contents
Urine protein creatinine ratio (UPCR)How to calculate protein creatinine ratioProtein creatinine ratio - interpretationNephrotic range proteinuriaProtein creatinine ratio calculator - a practical exampleFAQsThe protein creatinine ratio calculator determines proteinuria based on a spot urine sample. Urine protein creatinine ratio (UPCR) helps to identify patients with nephrotic range proteinuria and contributes to the screening of patients at risk of kidney disease. In the article below, you will find out more about proteinuria and learn how to calculate the protein creatinine ratio.
We try our best to make our Omni Calculators as precise and reliable as possible. However, this tool can never replace a professional doctor's assessment.
Urine protein creatinine ratio (UPCR)
Proteinuria is recognized as an independent risk factor for renal and cardiovascular disease, and as a predictor of organ damage, however, the reference test, a 24-hr urine protein estimation, is known to be unreliable. As the excretion of creatinine and protein is rather constant throughout the day (provided that the glomerular filtration rate is stable), some researchers have proposed the use of a protein creatinine ratio measurement in urine samples collected over a short period of time, or even random (spot) urine samples.
If you want to count your GFR, you can do it in our glomerular filtration rate calculator.
How to calculate protein creatinine ratio
There are only two variables needed to estimate the rate of urinary protein excretion. You don't need to know the urine output or volume for the calculation of UPCR, just the
- Urine protein (expressed in mg/dL); and
- Urine creatinine ( expressed in mg/dL).
The formula for the protein creatinine ratio calculation is:
Urinary protein excretion (g/day) = Urine protein / Urine creatinine
The normal range for urine protein should not exceed 15 mg/dL, while the reference range for spot urine creatinine is not established yet. Its value depends on many factors, such as diet, body weight, lean body mass (check our lean body mass calculator to find out yours), exercise, etc.
Protein creatinine ratio - interpretation
According to the research of Ginsberg et al., the following interpretation of the protein creatinine ratio should be implemented:
Protein creatinine ratio | Interpretation |
|---|---|
less than 0.2 | Normal range |
0.2-3.5 | Requires further investigation |
more than 3.5 | Nephrotic range |
According to The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guideline, there are three categories of proteinuria, based on the protein creatinine ratio:
Protein creatinine ratio | Category |
|---|---|
less than 1.5 g/day | Normal to mildly increased (A1) |
1.5-5 g/day | Moderately increased (A2) |
more than 5 g/day | Severely increased (A3) |
Nephrotic range proteinuria
Kidneys filter proteins should remain in the blood, not urine. Proteinuria is the presence of excess proteins in the urine. An increase in protein excretion is widely used in the early detection of various conditions, e.g.:
- Preeclampsia;
- Diabetic nephropathy; and
- Nephrotoxicity attributable to drugs.
Severe proteinuria is associated with a nephrotic syndrome, which is characterized by a range of symptoms due to kidney damage. They include:
- Protein in the urine;
- Low blood albumin levels;
- High blood lipids; and
- Significant swelling.
Nephrotic syndrome may be associated with many complications, e.g., blood clots, infections, protein malnutrition, and high blood pressure. The treatment of this disorder depends on the underlying cause.
Protein creatinine ratio calculator - a practical example
Let's calculate an exemplary urine protein creatinine ratio for a person with the following results:
- Urine protein - 2 mg/dl
- Urine creatinine - 120 mg/dl.
-
We will be using the following equation to calculate protein creatinine ratio:
Urinary protein excretion (g/day) = Urine protein / Urine creatinine -
After substituting the variables with the results, the formula looks as this:
Urinary protein excretion (g/day) = 2 / 120 -
Once this easy equation is solved, we can obtain the result:
Urinary protein excretion (g/day) = 0.0167 -
This protein creatinine ratio is within the normal range and does not indicate nephrotic range proteinuria.
How do I count protein creatinine ratio with protein 0.1 mg/dL and creatinine 0.76 mg/dL?
The protein creatinine ratio, in this case, is 0.132 g/day.
To count the protein creatinine:
- Know the equation for UPCR (urine protein-creatinine ratio). It's
UPCR = urine protein [mg/dL] / urine creatinine [mg/dL]
- Now, we plug in the values.
UPCR = 0.1/0.76
UPCR = 0.132
How do you calculate a spot protein to creatinine ratio?
Count the spot protein creatinine ratio regularly, as the formula is intended for fast, one sample use.
UPCR = UPr/UCr
where:
UPCR - urine protein creatinine ratio [g/day];
UPr - urine protein [mg/dL]; and
UCr - urine creatinine [mg/dL].
How do I reduce the protein creatinine ratio?
To lower the UPCR (urine protein creatinine ratio):
- Talk to your doctor to treat the underlying cause of the high ratio.
However, here are some general tips to keep your kidneys healthy:
- Reduce your salt intake.
- Reduce the amount of protein you consume.
- Don't overdose on non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen or ketoprofen.
- Quit smoking.
- Minimize alcohol consumption.
How do you treat nephrotic syndrome?
Treating nephrotic syndrome encompasses:
- Steroids - in case of underlying inflammation.
- Blood pressure medications (mostly a group called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors).
- Diuretics.
- Cholesterol-lowering medications.
- Blood thinners.
- Reducing fluid intake.
- Reducing protein and salt intake.