Urine Protein/Creatinine Ratio
The protein/creatinine ratio (PCR) compares total protein in your urine to creatinine in the same sample. Because creatinine is excreted at a fairly steady rate, dividing by it corrects for hydration and estimates how much protein you lose in a day.
PCR captures all urinary protein, not just albumin, and offers a convenient alternative to a 24-hour urine collection. It helps detect and track kidney conditions where larger amounts of protein are lost.
A higher PCR means more protein is leaking into the urine relative to creatinine, which can point to kidney disease or other conditions affecting the filters. The degree of elevation helps guide how closely your kidneys need to be watched, usually with confirmatory testing.
A low PCR is normal and suggests only a small, expected amount of protein is passing into the urine.
A ratio under about 150 mg/g is generally considered normal, though laboratory cutoffs vary. Persistently elevated results are typically confirmed and interpreted alongside other kidney tests by your clinician.
Sources
Educational context only, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex; always discuss your results with a clinician.