Term: Protein-Creatinine Ratio (PCR)

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Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2015-12-09

Definition:

The Protein-Creatinine Ratio (PCR) is used to measure the results of a lab test of proteinuria related to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Using the Diagnostic Services Manitoba (DSM) - Chemistry Data (** - see note below), PCR is defined as the ratio of urine protein to Urine Creatinine (test code 0232; mg/mmol). Urine protein was measured using either Urine Protein (test code 0720) or, when Urine Protein test results were not available, Dipstick Protein Urinalysis (test code 0740). PCR greater than or equal to 15 mg/mmol is considered abnormal.

Dipstick Protein Urinalysis

The dipstick method gives a categorical measurement of urine protein (0 to 4) which is less precise than a Urine Protein test. A dipstick protein level greater than or equal to 0.3 g/L is considered abnormally high.

A comparison of same-day Dipstick and Urine Protein test results showed moderate agreement (kappa = 0.48):

• Dipstick Protein = 0 comparable to Urine Protein < 15 mg/mmol
  
• Dipstick Protein = 1 comparable to Urine Protein 15-50 mg/mmol
  
• Dipstick Protein = 2-4 comparable to Urine Protein >50 mg/mmol

** NOTE: The term "Diagnostic Services Manitoba (DSM) - Chemistry data" was used in Chartier et al. 2015 prior to the name change to Shared Health Diagnostic Services.

Related concepts 

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Related terms 

• Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR)
• Proteinuria
• Shared Health Diagnostic Services (SHDS) - Chemistry Data

References 

• Chartier M, Dart A, Tangri N, Komenda P, Walld R, Bogdanovic B, Burchill C, Koseva I, McGowan K-L, Rajotte L. Care of Manitobans Living with Chronic Kidney Disease. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2015. [Report] [Summary] [Updates and Errata] [Additional Materials] (View)