Urinary Oxalate (24 hours)

Specimen Required

24 Hrs Urine

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

A urinary oxalate (24-hour urine oxalate) test is used to measure the amount of oxalate in a person’s urine over a 24-hour period. Oxalate is a substance that is naturally found in many foods and is also produced by the body.

When this test is required

The test is typically requested by a healthcare provider if a person has a history of kidney stones or if they are experiencing symptoms related to kidney stones, such as severe pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting, or blood in the urine. The test may also be ordered to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for calcium oxalate kidney stones or to evaluate certain metabolic disorders.

What the Test Detects

Preparation for the Test

To perform the test, a person will need to collect all of their urine over a 24-hour period. The urine should be collected in a clean container and refrigerated during the collection period.

Sample Requirements

The test is usually ordered by a healthcare provider if a person has a history of kidney stones or if they are experiencing symptoms related to kidney stones, such as severe pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting, or blood in the urine. The test may also be ordered to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for calcium oxalate kidney stones or to evaluate certain metabolic disorders.

Additional Notes

It is important to note that a high urinary oxalate level does not always mean a person will develop kidney stones, and a normal level does not guarantee that a person will not develop kidney stones. Other factors, such as calcium levels in the urine, also play a role in the formation of kidney stones. Treatment for kidney stones may involve dietary changes, medications, or procedures to remove the stones.

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