What is UPCR?
The Urine Protein to Creatinine Ratio (UPCR) estimates daily protein excretion in urine, eliminating the need for 24-hour urine collection. It is used to diagnose and monitor conditions like chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome, and hypertension-related kidney damage.
Formula & Unit Conversions
UPCR (mg/g) =
Urine Protein (mg/dL)
Urine Creatinine (mg/dL)
× 1000
For Creatinine in mmol/L:
UPCR (mg/g) =
Urine Protein (mg/dL)
Urine Creatinine (mmol/L)
× 88.4
*Derived from: 1 mmol/L creatinine = 11.312 mg/dL
*Normal ratio: <150 mg/g | Formula: (mg/dL ÷ mmol/L) × (1000 ÷ 11.312) ≈ 88.4
*Converts mg/dL protein to mmol/L creatinine ratio
*Normal ratio: <150 mg/g | Formula: (mg/dL ÷ mmol/L) × (1000 ÷ 11.312) ≈ 88.4
*Converts mg/dL protein to mmol/L creatinine ratio
For Creatinine in µmol/L:
UPCR =
Protein (mg/dL)
Creatinine (µmol/L)
× 88,400
*Derived from: 1 mg/dL creatinine = 88.4 µmol/L
*Conversion formula: (Protein ÷ Creatinine) × (88.4 × 1000) = 88,400
*Normal ratio: <150 mg/g (proteinuria threshold)
*Conversion formula: (Protein ÷ Creatinine) × (88.4 × 1000) = 88,400
*Normal ratio: <150 mg/g (proteinuria threshold)
🧮 Spot Urine Protein to Creatinine Ratio (UPCR) Calculator
📐 Formulas:
-
UPCR (mg/g) = Protein (mg/dL) Creatinine (mg/dL) × 1000
-
UPCR (mg/g) = Protein (mg/dL) Creatinine (mmol/L) × 88.4
-
UPCR (mg/g) = Protein (mg/dL) Creatinine (µmol/L) × 88,400
- UPCR (mg/mg) = UPCR (mg/g) ÷ 1000
- UPCR (mg/mmol) = UPCR (mg/g) ÷ 8.84
🖊️ Enter the Values:
Normal Values
- Normal: <150 mg/g
- Moderate Proteinuria: 150–500 mg/g
- Severe Proteinuria: >500 mg/g
How to Use the Calculator
- Input Values:
- Urine Protein (mg/dL).
- Urine Creatinine (mg/dL or mmol/L – select unit).
- Calculate: Automatically computes UPCR (mg/g).
- Interpretation:
- <150 mg/g: Normal kidney function.
- 150–500 mg/g: Possible kidney damage or early disease.
- >500 mg/g: Likely nephrotic syndrome or advanced kidney disease.
Example Calculation
- Urine Protein: 20 mg/dL
- Urine Creatinine: 100 mg/dL
UPCR (mg/g) =
Urine Protein (mg/dL)
Urine Creatinine (mg/dL)
× 1000
UPCR (mg/g) =
20 (mg/dL)
100 (mg/dL)
× 1000 = 0.2 x 1000 = 200 mg/g
Clinical Applications
- Screening: Detect proteinuria in diabetic or hypertensive patients.
- Monitoring: Track progression of chronic kidney disease.
- Diagnosis: Support identification of nephrotic syndrome.
Key Considerations
- Advantages: Simpler than 24-hour urine collection.
- Limitations:
- Affected by hydration status (dilute/concentrated urine).
- Less accurate in very high or low creatinine levels.
- Confirm with 24-hour urine test if results are borderline.
Patient Guidance
- Why Test UPCR?: High protein in urine can signal kidney damage.
- Follow-Up: Abnormal results require additional tests (e.g., serum creatinine, eGFR).
⚠️ Disclaimer:
The content on LabTestsGuide.com is for informational and educational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. LabTestsGuide.com is not liable for any decisions made based on the information on this site.
