How To Calculate Protein Creatinine Ratio

Protein Creatinine Ratio Formula:

\[ PCR (mg/g) = \frac{Protein (mg/dL)}{Creatinine (mg/dL)} \times 100 \]

Protein Creatinine Ratio (PCR):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is Protein Creatinine Ratio?

The Protein Creatinine Ratio (PCR) is a diagnostic test that measures the amount of protein in urine relative to creatinine. It's used to screen for and monitor kidney disease, particularly proteinuria (excess protein in urine).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Protein Creatinine Ratio formula:

\[ PCR (mg/g) = \frac{Protein (mg/dL)}{Creatinine (mg/dL)} \times 100 \]

Where:

\( Protein \) — Protein concentration in urine (mg/dL)
\( Creatinine \) — Creatinine concentration in urine (mg/dL)

Explanation: The ratio normalizes protein excretion to creatinine excretion, providing a more accurate assessment of proteinuria than random urine protein measurements alone.

3. Importance of PCR Calculation

Details: PCR is crucial for detecting and monitoring kidney damage, diabetic nephropathy, and other conditions causing protein leakage into urine. It helps assess treatment effectiveness and disease progression.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter protein and creatinine values in mg/dL from the same urine sample. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are normal PCR values?
A: Normal PCR is typically less than 150 mg/g. Values between 150-500 mg/g indicate microalbuminuria, while values above 500 mg/g suggest significant proteinuria.

Q2: Why multiply by 100 in the formula?
A: Multiplying by 100 converts the ratio to milligrams per gram (mg/g), which is the standard unit for reporting PCR results.

Q3: When should PCR testing be done?
A: PCR testing is recommended for patients with diabetes, hypertension, family history of kidney disease, or those showing signs of kidney dysfunction.

Q4: Are there limitations to PCR testing?
A: PCR may be less accurate in elderly patients, those with very high or low muscle mass, or when creatinine excretion is abnormal.

Q5: How does PCR compare to 24-hour urine collection?
A: PCR provides a reliable estimate of protein excretion and is more convenient than 24-hour urine collection, though the latter remains the gold standard.