Citrate Excretion, 24 Hour, Urine
Use
Useful for diagnosing risk factors in patients with calcium kidney stones and for monitoring therapy in patients with calcium stones or renal tubular acidosis. Low urinary citrate is a risk factor for kidney stone formation; very low levels (<150 mg/24 hours) suggest possible metabolic acidosis such as renal tubular acidosis ([mayocliniclabs.com](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/606710?utm_source=openai)).
Special Instructions
Patient preparation: avoid drugs that cause alkalemia or acidemia, and laxative use during the 24‑hour collection. Use of preservatives: add 5 mL diazolidinyl urea (Germall) at start or refrigerate specimen during and after collection. After collection, mix well and transfer a 4 mL aliquot into a plastic tube. Additional resource: ‘Urine Preservatives‑Collection and Transportation for 24‑Hour Urine Specimens’ ([mayocliniclabs.com](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/606710?utm_source=openai)).
Limitations
Drugs affecting systemic pH, potassium, or magnesium may alter urine citrate results. Very low values may necessitate investigation for metabolic acidosis. Improper specimen collection or handling may cause diagnostic confusion ([mayocliniclabs.com](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/606710?utm_source=openai)).
New York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 13362-9
- 3167-4
- 6687-8
- 6687-8
- 13362-9
- 3167-4
Result Turnaround Time
7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
4 mL aliquot
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Plastic tube
Collection Instructions
Add 5 mL diazolidinyl urea (Germall) at start of collection or refrigerate specimen during and after collection; collect urine for 24 hours; mix well before taking 4‑mL aliquot.
Patient Preparation
Avoid drugs that cause alkalemia or acidemia and laxative use during 24‑hour collection period.