1. What is Protein Creatinine Ratio?

The Protein Creatinine Ratio (PCR) is a measurement used to quantify protein excretion in urine, providing an alternative to 24-hour urine collection. It's expressed in milligrams per millimole (mg/mmol) in Australian SI units.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the PCR equation:

Where:

• Urine Protein — Measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L)
• Urine Creatinine — Measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L)

Explanation: The ratio normalizes protein excretion to creatinine excretion, accounting for variations in urine concentration.

3. Importance of PCR Calculation

Details: PCR is crucial for detecting and monitoring proteinuria, which is a key indicator of kidney damage. It helps in diagnosing and managing various kidney diseases and conditions affecting renal function.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter urine protein in mg/L and urine creatinine in mmol/L. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the protein creatinine ratio in mg/mmol.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use PCR instead of 24-hour urine collection?
A: PCR provides a quicker, more convenient alternative to 24-hour urine collection while maintaining good correlation with total protein excretion.

Q2: What are normal PCR values?
A: Normal PCR is generally <15 mg/mmol in adults. Values between 15-30 mg/mmol indicate microalbuminuria, while values >30 mg/mmol indicate macroalbuminuria.

Q3: When should PCR be measured?
A: PCR is typically measured in first morning urine samples for consistency. It's used for screening and monitoring patients with diabetes, hypertension, or known kidney disease.

Q4: Are there limitations to PCR measurement?
A: PCR may be less accurate in certain conditions such as very dilute or concentrated urine, rapidly changing renal function, or in patients with extremely high or low muscle mass.

Q5: How does PCR relate to kidney disease progression?
A: Higher PCR values correlate with more severe proteinuria and are associated with faster progression of chronic kidney disease and increased cardiovascular risk.