The measurement of calcium excretion in relation to creatinine concentration in urine provides a valuable assessment tool for evaluating calcium metabolism. This calculation, often automated through online resources or laboratory systems, expresses the amount of calcium relative to creatinine within a single urine sample. For example, a result of 0.2 indicates that for every unit of creatinine, there are 0.2 units of calcium excreted.
This ratio is particularly significant in the investigation of kidney stone formation and certain metabolic disorders. It offers a convenient and cost-effective alternative to 24-hour urine collections, especially in pediatric populations or when compliance with timed collections is a concern. Historically, assessing calcium excretion required cumbersome and potentially inaccurate 24-hour urine collections, but the ratio offers a more practical snapshot of calcium handling.
