79347-1

LOINC code 79347-1 identifies "Sulfate.total/Creatinine [Molar ratio] in Urine". Sulfur enters the body mainly as the amino acids, cysteine, and methionine. Food also contains inorganic and organic sulfates. The major end-product of sulfur metabolism in humans is inorganic sulfate, which is excreted in urine in the free form together with small amounts of its esters with aromatic compounds. [PMID: 4566470] However these two forms do not account for all the sulfur present in urine, and quantification of urinary total sulfur together with inorganic sulfate and ester sulfate is required for the evaluation of sulfur metabolism in humans. Men excrete significantly higher amounts of inorganic sulfate and total sulfur than woman, but this sex-related difference becomes insignificant if excretion values are expressed relative to creatinine. The trace element sulfur is essential to human life. [PMID: 7389089] Sulfur is found in all cells. Skin and nail disease have been associated with an inadequate intake of sulfur containing amino acids. Psoriasis and rheumatic condition suffers often respond well to increased intakes of these amino acids.

This code measures Sulfate.total/Creatinine in Urine. It belongs to the DRUG/TOX class in the LOINC classification.

LOINC (Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes) is a universal standard for identifying laboratory and clinical observations. It is maintained by the Regenstrief Institute and used worldwide for health data exchange.