What is the purpose of this test?
Order this Oxalate Urine Test, Quantitative, 24-Hour, to measure chemical oxalate in the urine over 24 hours to help screen for stone formation or hyperoxaluria. Oxalate is a byproduct of metabolism in the body. Therefore, it should leave the body through urine. However, if oxalate levels are too high, the excess oxalate can combine with calcium to form kidney stones. Although these stones initially form in the kidney, they can also develop in other parts of the urinary tract, like the bladder or the ureters. The ureters are the tubes through which urine passes from the kidney to the bladder. If stones are located in these areas, they are commonly referred to as ureteral stones or bladder stones.
Kidney stones are hardened concentrations of chemicals that can accumulate in the urinary tract. These stones are characterized by severe pain in the abdomen, back, side, or groin. While the most common type of kidney stone is calcium-oxalate stones, there are several other types, such as:
- Uric acid stones—stones produced from high uric acid levels in the urine. These stones make up about 10% of kidney stones.
- Cystine stones—rare stones produced due to a genetic condition called cystinuria that causes excessive levels of a particular amino acid in the urine. These stones make up about 2% of kidney stones.
- Struvite stones—the rarest type of kidney stones generally occur in people with urinary tract infections (UTIs).
What causes excessive levels of oxalate?
Excess oxalate levels may be caused by consuming foods high in oxalate or by the body absorbing or making too much oxalate. The following are foods rich in oxalate that may cause stone formation:
- Spinach and other leafy greens
- Rhubarb and Swiss chard
- Almonds and cashews
- Miso or soy-based products
- Navy beans
- Grits
- Baked potatoes with the skin or French fries
- Beets, dates, and leeks
- Cocoa powder
- Okra
- Cereals (bran and shredded wheat)
- Raspberries
- Stevia sweeteners
- Sweet potatoes
When should I order an Oxalate Urine Test, Quantitative, 24-Hour?
Individuals may order this Oxalate Urine Test, Quantitative, 24-Hour if they have experienced recurring symptoms of kidney stones. Individuals may also order this test to screen for a rare genetic hyperoxaluria condition, assess kidney stones' severity, and help develop a treatment plan.
Common signs or symptoms of a kidney stone may include:
- Severe pain in the abdomen, back, side, or groin
- Blood in the urine
- Grainy or darkened urine
- Abnormal changes to the color or smell of the urine
- Difficulty urinating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chills or fever
Also Known As: Oxalic Acid; Urinary Stone Analysis; Kidney Stone Analysis
Preparation:Patients should avoid consuming vitamin C supplements and vitamin C-rich foods (i.e., citrus fruits; vegetables like leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes) for at least 48 hours prior to collection.
Test Results:
4-5 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
