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Protein Creatinine Ratio Formula:
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The Protein Creatinine Ratio (PCR) is a diagnostic measurement used to quantify proteinuria in urine samples. It provides a more accurate assessment of protein excretion than random urine protein measurements alone, as it corrects for urine concentration.
The calculator uses the PCR formula:
Where:
Explanation: The ratio normalizes protein excretion to creatinine excretion, providing a more reliable measure of proteinuria that is less affected by urine concentration variations.
Details: PCR is crucial for screening, diagnosing, and monitoring kidney diseases. It helps detect proteinuria, assess kidney damage severity, monitor treatment response, and predict cardiovascular risk in patients with kidney disease.
Tips: Enter urine protein concentration in mg/L and urine creatinine concentration in mmol/L. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What are normal PCR values?
A: Normal PCR is typically less than 15 mg/mmol. Values between 15-50 mg/mmol indicate microalbuminuria, while values above 50 mg/mmol suggest significant proteinuria.
Q2: Why use PCR instead of 24-hour urine collection?
A: PCR provides a reliable alternative to 24-hour urine collection as it's more convenient, avoids collection errors, and correlates well with 24-hour protein excretion.
Q3: When should PCR be measured?
A: First morning urine sample is preferred as it provides the most concentrated specimen and minimizes diurnal variation in protein excretion.
Q4: Are there limitations to PCR measurement?
A: PCR may be less accurate in elderly patients, those with low muscle mass, or individuals with rapidly changing kidney function.
Q5: How often should PCR be monitored?
A: Monitoring frequency depends on the underlying condition. Patients with chronic kidney disease typically have PCR measured every 3-6 months, or more frequently during active treatment.