The Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio (UPCR) is a test used to assess the amount of protein in the urine relative to the level of creatinine, a waste product filtered by the kidneys. This ratio helps to detect kidney damage or disease, as high levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria) can be a sign of kidney dysfunction.
The test is often used to:
A higher UPCR suggests greater levels of protein in the urine, which can indicate kidney problems that need further investigation. The ratio is usually measured from a single urine sample, making it a convenient and efficient screening tool.