Understanding Your Laboratory Test: What It Is, How It's Done, and What Your Results Mean
This test checks for the presence of 2-hydroxyphenylacetate in your urine, which can help evaluate certain metabolic conditions.
{"2-Hydroxyphenylacetate is a substance produced during the breakdown of certain amino acids","This test helps doctors evaluate metabolic and liver function","Abnormal results may indicate genetic metabolic disorders or liver disease","A simple urine sample is all that's needed for this test","Results are reported as 'present' or 'absent'"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 29883-6
- Short code
- 2-OHPAc
- Synonyms
- 2OH-phenylacetate Ur Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container (plastic or glass)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 83918
- SNOMED
- 271588006
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 mL preferred
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test, and why might my healthcare provider recommend it for me?
The 2-Hydroxyphenylacetate urine test detects whether this substance is present in your urine. 2-Hydroxyphenylacetate (also called 2-HPA) is a metabolic byproduct formed when your body breaks down amino acids, particularly tyrosine. Under normal conditions, small amounts may be present in urine.
How is the test performed, and what can I expect during the procedure?
This is a simple urine test. You will be asked to provide a urine sample in a sterile container. No special preparation (like fasting) is typically required. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using specialized equipment to detect the presence or absence of 2-hydroxyphenylacetate.
What do my test results mean, and how should I talk about them with my healthcare provider?
Results are typically reported as 'Present' or 'Absent'. The presence of 2-hydroxyphenylacetate in urine may indicate: increased metabolism of certain amino acids, altered gut bacteria activity affecting metabolism, or certain metabolic disorders. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results in the context of your overall health and other test findings.
Reference range
Not detected (Negative)N/A
Collect clean-catch midstream urine in sterile container. No special preparation required. Inform laboratory of any medications or supplements.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The presence of 2-hydroxyphenylacetate in urine can be clinically significant as it may reflect altered amino acid metabolism, potentially linked to liver dysfunction, certain inherited metabolic disorders, or changes in gut bacterial metabolism. Elevated levels may warrant further investigation into metabolic function, liver health, or possible genetic conditions affecting protein breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required before this test?
Are there any risks?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if my result is 'Present'?
Sources
- 1
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy