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The Protein Creatinine Ratio (PCR) is a simple test that measures the amount of protein in a spot urine sample relative to the creatinine level. It provides a quick assessment of proteinuria and is used as an alternative to 24-hour urine collection.
The calculator uses the PCR formula:
Where:
Explanation: The ratio normalizes protein excretion to creatinine excretion, providing a reliable estimate of daily protein loss without the need for 24-hour urine collection.
Details: PCR is crucial for screening, diagnosing, and monitoring kidney diseases. It helps detect proteinuria, which is a key marker of kidney damage and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Tips: Enter both spot urine protein and spot urine creatinine values in mg/dL. Both values must be greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is a normal PCR value?
A: Normal PCR is typically less than 150 mg/g. Values between 150-500 mg/g indicate moderate proteinuria, while values above 500 mg/g indicate severe proteinuria.
Q2: Why use PCR instead of 24-hour urine collection?
A: PCR provides a quicker, more convenient alternative to 24-hour urine collection with comparable accuracy for detecting proteinuria.
Q3: When should PCR be measured?
A: PCR should be measured when screening for kidney disease, monitoring known kidney conditions, or evaluating patients with diabetes or hypertension.
Q4: Are there limitations to PCR measurement?
A: PCR may be less accurate in individuals with very high or very low muscle mass, as creatinine excretion correlates with muscle mass.
Q5: How does PCR correlate with 24-hour urine protein?
A: PCR correlates well with 24-hour urine protein excretion, with a PCR of 1000 mg/g approximately equivalent to 1 g/day proteinuria.