Early Kidney Damage Screening - Urine Protein/Creatinine Ratio

This laboratory test compares the total protein concentration to the creatinine concentration in a random urine sample (usually the first urine of the morning). This ratio is used as a practical and accurate alternative to 24-hour urine protein analysis. Because urinary creatinine excretion is relatively constant throughout the day, this ratio allows for correction of changes in urine concentration, providing a reliable estimate of daily protein loss without the need for a 24-hour urine collection.