Introduction of Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio (PCR ) Test
Table of Contents
- Doctors use the PCR test to assess protein levels in urine. Since proteinuria indicates kidney disease, this test helps in early detection.
- This test measures the protein-to-creatinine ratio in a single urine sample. Because it avoids 24-hour urine collection, it remains convenient for patients.
- PCR provides a reliable estimate of daily protein excretion. Moreover, it helps monitor kidney function in chronic conditions.
- Unlike dipstick tests, PCR quantifies protein loss accurately. For this reason, it is preferred in nephrology practice.
- Hospitals include PCR in routine kidney function assessments. Thus, it plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing kidney diseases.
Test Result, Unit, Normal Range, and Test Method

Clinical Significance of Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio (PCR ) Test
- Doctors use PCR to diagnose proteinuria. Since protein loss indicates kidney disease, this test plays a key role in early detection.
- A high PCR value suggests kidney dysfunction. Because glomerular diseases increase protein leakage, nephrologists use PCR for disease monitoring.
- PCR helps detect nephrotic syndrome. Moreover, it differentiates between mild, moderate, and severe proteinuria.
- Because diabetes affects kidney filtration, PCR remains essential in diabetic nephropathy screening. Thus, routine testing prevents complications.
- Doctors rely on PCR for lupus nephritis assessment. For this reason, patients with autoimmune diseases undergo frequent monitoring.
- PCR guides hypertension-related kidney disease management. Furthermore, it helps adjust antihypertensive therapy.
- In pregnancy, doctors use PCR to evaluate preeclampsia risk. Since proteinuria is a key sign, early detection improves outcomes.
- Hospitals integrate PCR into chronic kidney disease (CKD) monitoring. Thus, it helps in long-term renal health assessment.
Keynotes on Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio (PCR ) Test
- The PCR test estimates protein loss in urine. Since it replaces 24-hour urine collection, it remains a preferred method.
- This test detects proteinuria early. For this reason, doctors use it in high-risk patients.
- A high PCR value suggests kidney disease. Moreover, it correlates with glomerular damage severity.
- Nephrologists use PCR for disease monitoring. Because trends in values indicate progression, repeat testing remains necessary.
- PCR helps diagnose diabetic nephropathy. Thus, it plays a role in diabetes-related kidney care.
- Pregnant women undergo PCR testing to assess preeclampsia risk. Furthermore, early detection improves maternal and fetal health.
- Hospitals use PCR in hypertension management. Since high blood pressure affects kidney function, monitoring prevents complications.
- PCR provides a standardized proteinuria assessment. Therefore, it ensures consistent interpretation across laboratories.
- Doctors prefer PCR over dipstick tests. Because it quantifies protein loss, it reduces false-positive results.
- Public health programs include PCR testing in CKD screening. Thus, early diagnosis reduces disease burden.
Further Readings
- https://www.testing.com/tests/urine-protein-and-urine-protein-creatinine-ratio/
- https://qehbpathology.uk/clinical-chemistry-tests/item/urine-proteincreatinine-ratio-random-urine-2
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32058809/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/23933-urine-protein-creatinine-ratio
- https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/our-services/services-we-offer/pathology/tests-and-investigations/albumincreatinine-ratio-acr-and-proteincreatinine-ratio-pcr/
- https://bmcnephrol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12882-024-03804-7
- https://pathlabs.rlbuht.nhs.uk/pcr.pdf
- https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/medphoenix/article/view/67181
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408363.2020.1723487