1. What is the Ca Creatinine Ratio?

The Ca Creatinine Ratio is a calculation used to assess calcium excretion in urine, particularly helpful in evaluating hypercalciuria and kidney stone risk. It compares the amount of calcium to creatinine in a urine sample.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple ratio formula:

Where:

• \( Ca \) — Calcium concentration (mg/dL)
• \( Cr \) — Creatinine concentration (mg/dL)

Explanation: This ratio corrects for variations in urine concentration, providing a more standardized measure of calcium excretion.

3. Importance of Ca Creatinine Ratio

Details: The Ca Creatinine Ratio is important for evaluating calcium metabolism disorders, assessing risk of kidney stones, and monitoring patients with hypercalciuria. Normal values are typically below 0.14-0.20 mg/mg in random urine samples.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both calcium and creatinine values in mg/dL from the same urine sample. Both values must be greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal Ca Creatinine Ratio?
A: For adults, a normal random urine Ca/Cr ratio is typically less than 0.14 mg/mg. Values above 0.20-0.25 may indicate hypercalciuria.

Q2: When is this ratio most useful?
A: It's particularly valuable in evaluating patients with recurrent kidney stones, suspected hypercalciuria, or metabolic bone diseases.

Q3: Are there age-specific variations?
A: Yes, normal values vary by age. Children typically have higher ratios, with normal values decreasing with age until adulthood.

Q4: What factors can affect the ratio?
A: Dietary calcium intake, hydration status, time of day, and certain medications can influence the ratio. First morning void is often preferred for measurement.

Q5: When should 24-hour urine collection be used instead?
A: For definitive diagnosis of hypercalciuria, 24-hour urine collection remains the gold standard, though the random ratio is a useful screening tool.