This tool provides an estimate of calcium excretion in urine relative to creatinine. It is derived by dividing the urinary calcium concentration (typically measured in mg/dL or mmol/L) by the urinary creatinine concentration (also in mg/dL or mmol/L). For example, a calcium concentration of 10 mg/dL and a creatinine concentration of 100 mg/dL would yield a ratio of 0.1.
The calculation helps assess calcium metabolism and kidney function. Elevated values may suggest hypercalciuria, potentially linked to kidney stone formation, hyperparathyroidism, or other metabolic disorders. Clinically, it assists in the diagnosis and monitoring of these conditions, guiding treatment decisions. Its use has become increasingly prevalent as a non-invasive method to screen for abnormal calcium handling by the kidneys, particularly in pediatric populations where 24-hour urine collections are challenging.
