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Citrate Excretion, Urine, Random

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1231364, Beaker: XCITR, Warde: UCITR

Department

Send Outs

Instructions

Any drug that causes alkalemia or acidemia may be expected to alter citrate excretion and should be avoided, if possible. The patient must avoid laxative use for 24 hours prior to collection.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: Random urine in a screw-capped container (preferred) or other sterile collection container. (Minimum: 5.0 mL)

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain specimen refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Random urine refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 5.0 mL)

Rejection Criteria

Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

• Add 1 gram of boric acid/100 mL of urine to ensure pH 4-7 and send 10.0 mL urine refrigerated in a screw capped plastic urine cup.
• Maintain specimen refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.
• Transport: 10.0 mL random urine, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 5.0 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Unacceptable
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 14 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories, Rochester, MN.

Performed

Monday – Saturday.
Results available within 2-5 days.

Reference Range

By report.

Test Methodology

Enzymatic.

Interpretation

A low value represents a potential risk for kidney stone formation/growth. Patients with low urinary citrate, and new or growing stone formation may benefit from adjustments in therapy known to increase urinary citrate excretion.
 
Very low levels suggest investigation for the possible diagnosis of metabolic acidosis (e.g., renal tubular acidosis).
 
For children ages 5 to 18, a ratio of <0.176 mg citrate/mg creatinine is below the 5% reference range and considered low.

CPT Codes

82507, 82570.

Contacts

Last Updated

10/18/2024