Overview

The Urine Protei-Creatinine Ratio (UPCR) test is performed to assess the amount of protein being lost by the kidneys. Normally, under healthy conditions, our kidneys filter all the waste products but retain some crucial stuff like proteins in the bloodstream.

If your kidneys are getting damaged/affected by anything, then there might be leakage of protein in your urine. So UPCR will give us an idea about the protein in the urine without having to get your urine on a constant basis throughout 24 hours.

As the test is very convenient and also easy, you can find several people having this test done at City Imaging to look out for their kidney problems. Let’s now see more details of UPCR testing along with its importance, costs, etc. The price of Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio ranges from INR 300 to INR 1000.

What is the Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio?

The Urine Protein Creatinine (UPCR) Ratio estimates the amount of protein in relation to creatinine in your urine. Creatinine is a waste product that’s created naturally through the metabolism of muscles and is normally filtered out of our systems on a regular basis by our kidneys.

By considering both proteins and creatinine concentrations, the test provides greater insights regarding protein excretion rates based upon variations in urine concentration.

A higher-than-expected UPCR could suggest that you’re experiencing increased amounts of protein passing into your urine compared to what would typically be expected. But having abnormal results doesn’t necessarily mean you have permanent kidney diseases either temporary states including fever or strenuous activity, dehydration, urinary tract infections and many others also occasionally play roles in affecting urinary protein levels temporarily.

Why is the UPCR Test done?

Doctors may recommend a UPCR test for several reasons.

• Detecting Kidney Disease
• Monitoring Existing Kidney Problems
• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• Pregnancy
• Certain Other Medical Conditions

What does Protein in Urine mean?

Your kidneys have millions of tiny filtering units (nephrons), some with structures that help to filter your blood which are called glomerulus.

In people with healthy kidneys, only very small amounts of protein pass through this filtration system. But if your body’s ability to filter proteins in the kidney gets damaged, large quantities of proteins can end up being passed into your urine. Having protein in your urine is called proteinuria. Proteinuria is either temporary or it persists depending on what caused you to develop it.

Examples of temporary spikes in urine proteins include those caused by intense physical activity, fevers, or even simply from being dehydrated. If your pet has persistent proteinuria, especially if they have repeated positive results for this issue, then further investigation will be needed.

How is the Test performed?

Generally speaking, the UPCR test involves taking your spot urine sample which means there is no requirement to collect urine throughout the whole day.

In case of this test, you are provided with a clean and sterile container by the health care professional/laboratory staff who explains to you about collecting a urine sample.

In many cases, you may be asked to:

1. Wash your hands and clean the genital area if instructed.
2. Begin urinating into the toilet.
3. Collect the required portion of urine in the sterile container.
4. Avoid touching the inside of the container or its lid.
5. Close the container securely and return it as instructed.

Is any special preparation required?

No special preparations are usually required prior to undergoing this test. But there may be specific instructions given by your doctor based on your medical condition.

It is essential that you inform the doctor regarding medicines/supplements taken recently or any other factor, including illness or strenuous exercise which could impact upon the results of the tests. You should also inform the lab/doctor if you are currently menstruating as blood contamination could alter some urine tests. Don't intentionally consume large volumes of fluids prior to testing, other than as instructed by your medical professional.

How to understand the Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio results?

In most cases, the results of UPC tests will be expressed as ratios (e.g., mg/g) or some other specific units set by each lab. How you interpret your UPC results will depend on what your lab considers a normal or healthy range for UPC, how old and healthy you are, and other factors related to your health. Usually, a higher UPC means more proteins are leaking into your urine. Keep in mind that even if you have an increased level of UPC, this doesn’t always mean there’s permanent damage happening to your kidneys. Your doctor might want to run these tests again just to see if you continue to show signs of increased UPCs.

This could be in the form of blood tests to evaluate kidney function, measuring your blood pressure, running more tests on your urine, doing imaging studies, or seeing a specialist.

You shouldn’t try to interpret what your UPCR means by looking at that number alone. Instead, talk to your doctor about how they fit all this together. They’ll take your UPCR into account alongside your symptoms, your medical history, results from your blood tests, and your other urine tests when making their diagnosis.

What can cause a high UPCR?

An increased UPCR can occur for several reasons, including:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes-related kidney damage
• High blood pressure
• Certain glomerular kidney diseases
• kidney inflammation
• Some autoimmune conditions
• Pregnancy-related complications
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Intense physical exercise

Can UPCR be Low?

This means that an overall low value for urinary protein isn’t usually seen as a particular concern since healthy kidneys are typically able to pass on just tiny quantities into your urine.

There’s another element involved with this test that is creatinine. A variety of different things including your muscle mass, age, hydration status and more affect our results here too, which is why interpreting your result within your own clinical context is important.

What is the difference between UPCR 24 Hour and Urine Protein Test?

The standard way to measure urinary protein is to collect all your urine over a 24-hour period. While helpful information can still come from this test, the need to collect every single urine sample you produce throughout the day isn’t always convenient—and could even result in some collection errors.

Because UPCR requires only a spot urine sample, however, it gives a convenient estimate of how much protein you’re excreting. In most cases, UPCR works well as an effective alternative.

That’s not to say that you won’t ever have cause to do a 24-hour urine collection (or further tests). Your doctor might consider either based on your condition and what they want to find out.

What happens if the result is abnormal?

The presence of an abnormal UPCR doesn’t always indicate anything serious. To get more information about what’s going on with you, your doctor might want to check if there could be a temporary reason behind the results.

It could be done by repeating the test. If the persistent proteinuria is found out after doing this process multiple times, then your doctor would need to do other investigations to find out why this condition happens.

Your health care provider can take care of many things depending on how severe they are:

• Blood pressure
• Blood creatinine and kidney function
• Blood glucose levels
• Other urine abnormalities
• Medical and medication history
• Signs of swelling or fluid retention

Why prefer City Imaging and Clinical Labs for the Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio Test?

Our advantages include:

• High-quality testing standards
• Advanced diagnostic laboratory
• Friendly and compassionate staff
• Comprehensive healthcare support
• Accurate and timely reports
• Hygienic sample collection
• Experienced pathology professionals
• Affordable diagnostic packages

How to book Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio test online at City Imaging?

City Imaging’s website or call can be used by a patient to set an appointment for Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio test. Home sample collection is also done by technician visit after booking collection using their website. The reports will be provided to you via email so you don’t have to go anywhere or visit the lab personally.

Which Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio test centre is near me?

Delhi-based City Imaging has state-of-the-art medical equipment that enables precise testing. Here, well-trained employees compassionately and carefully respond to your enquiries. All of the tests that City Imaging offers are reasonably priced, and low-income people can take advantage of special price breaks.

What is the price of the Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio test in Delhi?

The Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio test can be performed in Delhi at a price that ranges from INR 300 to INR 1000. The price may vary slightly depending on the machine used, location and type of test.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is UPCR a blood test?

No. UPCR refers to a urine test. It assesses urinary protein to urinary creatinine ratio.

Do I need to collect urine for 24 hours?

No. Usually, UPCR test is done on a single sample of urine eliminating the need for a 24-hour urine collection.

What is the other name of Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio?

It is also named as Protein Creatinine Ratio Urine, Urine protein/Creatinine.

Can I continue eating normally before a UPCR test?

In most of the cases no dietary changes are required. However, it is better to follow the instructions provided by your doctor or the testing facilities.

Why is creatinine measured as well as protein?

Creatinine allows taking into account the concentration of urine. By measuring protein in relation to creatinine, this makes the measurement much easier.