UPCR Test - Price, Purpose, Normal Range, Procedure, & More

Table of Content

Introduction to UPCR Test

The urine protein to creatinine ratio test measures the amount of protein in the urine compared to creatinine levels. It is used to evaluate and monitor kidney function and helps detect and diagnose early kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, and other systemic illnesses.

Your doctor may recommend the UPCR test if you notice any symptoms, such as swelling in the legs or face, fatigue, or abnormal blood pressure, that may indicate kidney issues. 

Regularly monitoring the UPCR test helps detect kidney damage early and prevent complications. Consult your doctor and take the UPCR test near Redcliffe Labs. You can also book your health checkup appointment online via Redcliffe Labs. The phlebotomist will come to your location to collect the home sample. If you have any questions about the test, call us at customer service support and book your appointment now!

Test details in brief

Purpose of the UPCR Test

The UPCR test is non-invasive and simple to catch potential issues early. It is a urine test and a part of routine screening. Here is the purpose of the UPCR test-

• Detecting Proteinuria- Proteinuria, or excessive protein in the urine, is an early sign of kidney dysfunction. The UPCR test helps identify this condition.
• Monitoring Kidney Health- The test monitors the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney damage in individuals with diabetes or hypertension. Therefore, if you have these conditions, your doctor may recommend a scan for albumin in the urine instead of total urine protein. 
• Diagnosing Conditions- Abnormal protein levels can point to systemic conditions like lupus, diabetes, or glomerulonephritis, prompting further evaluation and management. Pregnant women with a high risk of preeclampsia should also take urine protein tests. In addition, children with high urine protein levels may also be recommended to get their UPCR test done.

What does the UPCR Test measure?

The Urine Protein to Creatinine Ratio (UPCR) test measures the ratio of protein to creatinine in a urine sample. This test provides an accurate assessment of how much protein is being excreted in the urine compared to the body's creatinine levels.

In normal urine, there is a small amount of protein present, normally less than 150 mg per day. This includes components such as albumin, small globulins, and glycoproteins, which are also known as uromucoid. An increase in protein levels in the urine can occur due to various kidney diseases or other health conditions.

• Protein in Urine- Protein should normally remain in the blood. If proteins like albumin appear in urine, it indicates kidney damage or dysfunction. 
• Creatinine in Urine- Creatinine is a waste product filtered by the kidneys. Its level in urine serves as a reference point to determine if the protein excretion is abnormal.

The ratio allows for a single-spot urine sample to provide results comparable to a 24-hour urine collection, which is less convenient. This makes it a quick and effective method to evaluate:

• Kidney function
• Risk of kidney disease progression
• Impact of conditions like diabetes or hypertension

Preparation for the UPCR Test

No such special preparation is required before the UPCR test. All you need to do is, you have to collect a urine sample in a clean container. Urinalysis assesses several qualities in a urine sample, such as:

• urine appearance, such as its color and whether the urine is clear or cloudy
• levels of substances like protein, sugar, and blood cells
• if bacteria are present
• how concentrated the urine is
• pH level

For 24-hour urine collection, the process starts by discarding the first-morning void and then collecting the remaining urine in the container.

• There are no special instructions for a Urine Protein Test, and no fasting is needed. 
• Keep yourself hydrated before the test.
• Follow the doctor's advice about continuing or pausing medications, as some drugs may affect results.
• Foods like beetroot and blackberries may alter the urine's color, so avoid them before the test.

The procedure of the UPCR Test

Urine Protein to Creatinine Ratio (UPCR) test is a simple, non-invasive procedure used to evaluate kidney function. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process:

• Your phlebotomist or healthcare provider will give you a sterile container to collect the sample. 
• This means urinating a little first, then collecting the sample.
• Early morning urine is often recommended for accurate results, as it is more concentrated.
• The sample is submitted to a laboratory, where it is analyzed for protein and creatinine levels.

The test report results will be available within 12 hours of sample collection.

What do the UPCR Test reports indicate?

The test reports will indicate the UPCR test results. Here is the UPCR test results-

Key Findings from UPCR Test Reports:

1. Normal Range:

• For Adults: Less than 200 mg/g (or 0.2 g/g).
• For Children: Less than 0.5 mg/mg (or 50 mg/g).

2. Mildly Elevated Levels:

• UPCR between 200–500 mg/g:
• This may indicate early kidney damage.
• Common causes: mild infections, dehydration, or stress.

3. Extremely High UPCR Levels:

• UPCR above 500 mg/g:
• Indicates significant protein leakage, often linked to conditions like:
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
• Diabetes-related kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy).
• Glomerulonephritis or hypertension.

What should you do if the UPCR results are abnormal?

If your test reports are abnormal, then your healthcare provider may recommend these tests.

Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)-includes various tests, albumin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and total protein, which helps to evaluate kidney and liver function.

A full urinalysis is needed if you are at risk of urinary tract infection.

Serum and urine protein electrophoresis tests detect the proteins released into the urine and their quantities. 

However, if your kidneys are damaged, your health expert may also order imaging scans to evaluate the appearance of your kidneys or a bone marrow biopsy if multiple myeloma is suspected.

Your doctor may also recommend you to make some lifestyle changes, such as your diet, to reduce salt and protein intake. They may advise you to stay hydrated and get your weight in control.

Timely action on abnormal UPCR results can help prevent further kidney damage and ensure better health outcomes. Always follow your doctor’s advice for the best course of action.

What do high levels of protein in urine mean?

If your kidneys work normally, they reduce less than 150mg of protein per day in your urine. High levels of protein in urine may cause conditions like-

• Dehydration
• Infection
• Pregnancy
• Stress

Long-term, higher-than-normal protein levels can indicate signs of severe kidney damage and kidney failure. High protein levels also mean kidney damage and other conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Who should take the UPCR Test?

The UPCR test is recommended for people who are at high risk of kidney disease or have any symptoms related to kidney disease. 

You should consider a UPCR Test if:

You have risk factors like- :

• Diabetes.
• High blood pressure (Hypertension).
• A family history of kidney disease.
• Obesity or metabolic syndrome.

You have symptoms of kidney issues-

• Swelling in the hands, feet, or face (edema).
• Difficulty urinating or changes in urine output.
• Persistent fatigue or weakness.
• As Part of Routine Monitoring
• Pregnant women

What Are the Common Symptoms Related to Kidney Disease?

Here are some common symptoms related to kidney disease including- 

Urinary Symptoms

• Foamy or bubbly urine.
• Blood in urine (hematuria)
• Increased or decreased frequency of urination.
• Swelling (Edema) around eyes and swollen ankles, feet, or hands.
• Fatigue
• Nausea and Loss of Appetite 
• Skin Issues like dry and itchy skin
• High Blood Pressure
• Breathing Difficulties

UPCR Test price at Redcliffe Labs

The UPCR test price at Redcliffe Labs is INR 299. You can book your test using the Redcliffe Labs app in just one minute. We have more than 80+ labs all across PAN India in 220+ cities and 2000+ collection centers and home collection services. Our labs follow the highest quality standards as standard quality norms and 50+ internal & external quality checks regularly. The Six Sigma process is followed for 100% report correctness as our expert uses fully automated machines with the latest technology. We are trusted by more than 50000 doctors across India, ensuring. 

Trusted by more than 50,000 Doctors across India, we also provide value benefits worth RS 999 to our customers with every test. These include a personalized diet plan, a health progress report, and a free test report consultation. What are you waiting for? Book your UPCR urine test now!

UPCR Test Cost in Different Cities

Note: We also offer UPCR Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Book your UPCR Test with Redcliffe Labs Today!

The urine protein to creatinine ratio test is an important test to detect the early signs of kidney disease and kidney disorders. High protein levels can indicate conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, or infections. 

The UPCR test is a simple, non-invasive test that provides accurate insights into kidney health and predicts the risk of chronic kidney diseases. It is essential for people to know their risk factors, such as chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease, or pregnancy-related concerns like preeclampsia. However, regular health checkups allow you to manage your condition properly and reduce the risk of kidney-related diseases.

The UPCR test helps you early diagnosis of disease that can lead to timely treatments, lifestyle changes, and preventive measures that improve long-term outcomes.

With Redcliffe Labs, booking a UPCR test is hassle-free. Enjoy the convenience of home sample collection, on-time reports, and value-added benefits such as personalized diet plans and expert consultations. 

Prioritize your kidney health today—book your UPCR test with Redcliffe Labs and take the first step toward a healthier future. Your health deserves the best care!