Urinary Citrate (24 hours)

Specimen Required

24 Hrs Urine

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

Urinary citrate testing is ordered to help diagnose and manage certain conditions related to kidney stone formation, such as hypocitraturia, a condition where the urine contains low levels of citrate, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones. The test is also sometimes ordered as a follow-up to treatment for kidney stones to see if the levels of urinary citrate have increased.

When this test is required

The test may be requested as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel for patients with a history of kidney stones or recurrent urinary tract infections, or who are at risk for developing kidney stones due to other health conditions.

What the Test Detects

The test measures the amount of citrate, a natural inhibitor of kidney stone formation, in a 24-hour urine sample.

Preparation for the Test

Typically, no special preparation is needed for this test. However, the healthcare provider may advise the patient to temporarily stop taking certain medications that can interfere with the test results.

Sample Requirements

A 24-hour urine sample is typically required for this test.

Additional Notes

It is important for the healthcare provider to review the patient’s medical history, medications, and other factors that may impact the test results. Additionally, a 24-hour urine collection can be challenging, so it is important for the patient to follow the instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.

Selected Tests