Citrate Concentration, Random, Urine
Use
Urinary citrate is a major inhibitor of kidney stone formation due in part to binding of calcium in urine. Low urine citrate levels are considered a risk for kidney stone formation. Several metabolic disorders associated with low urine citrate include conditions that lower renal tubular or intracellular pH, such as metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia, or hypomagnesemia. Very low citrate levels suggest investigation for possible metabolic acidosis (e.g., renal tubular acidosis). Monitoring urinary citrate is useful in patients with calcium stones or renal tubular acidosis. For children ages 5 to 18, a citrate/creatinine ratio less than 0.176 mg citrate/mg creatinine is below the 5th percentile and considered low.
Special Instructions
Only orderable as part of a profile (see CITRA / Citrate Excretion, Random, Urine). Patient must avoid laxative use for 24 hours prior to collection; any drug causing alkalemia or acidemia may alter citrate excretion and should be avoided if possible.
Limitations
There are no established reference values when ordered alone—only as part of a profile. Interpretation may be influenced by medications altering systemic pH, potassium, or magnesium. Improper specimen collection or handling may cause diagnostic confusion.
New York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2128-7
- 2128-7
Result Turnaround Time
0-1 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
4 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Plastic, 5‑mL tube (Sarstedt Aliquot Tube T914)
Collection Instructions
Collect a random urine specimen; no preservative.
Patient Preparation
Avoid laxative use for 24 hours prior; avoid drugs causing alkalemia or acidemia.
Causes for Rejection
All specimens will be evaluated for test suitability.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |