1. What is the Ca Cr Ratio?

The Calcium to Creatinine (Ca Cr) Ratio is a calculation used to assess calcium excretion in urine relative to creatinine. It's commonly used in Australia to evaluate hypercalciuria and kidney stone risk.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Ca Cr ratio formula:

Where:

• \( Ca \) — Calcium concentration in mmol/L
• \( Cr \) — Creatinine concentration in mmol/L
• \( Conversion Factor \) — Unit conversion factor (typically 1 for Australian units)

Explanation: The ratio normalizes calcium excretion to creatinine excretion, accounting for variations in urine concentration.

3. Importance of Ca Cr Ratio Calculation

Details: The Ca Cr ratio is important for diagnosing hypercalciuria, assessing kidney stone risk, and monitoring treatment effectiveness for calcium-related disorders.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter calcium and creatinine values in mmol/L (Australian standard units). Enter the appropriate conversion factor if needed. All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal Ca Cr ratio?
A: Normal values typically range between 0.1-0.3 mmol/mmol. Values above 0.3 may indicate hypercalciuria.

Q2: When should this test be performed?
A: It's typically performed on a spot urine sample, preferably a morning fasting sample for consistency.

Q3: Are there factors that can affect the ratio?
A: Yes, diet, hydration status, time of day, and certain medications can influence the results.

Q4: Why use Australian units (mmol/L)?
A: Australia uses the metric system and SI units for medical measurements, unlike some countries that use mg/dL.

Q5: When is a conversion factor needed?
A: A conversion factor is typically 1 for Australian units but may be needed if using different measurement systems or unit conversions.