Cystine in Urine (Quantitative, 24-Hour Collection)
This test measures the amount of cystine, a rare amino acid, in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps identify conditions where cystine builds up excessively, which can cause kidney stones or other health issues.
["Detects abnormal cystine levels linked to kidney or stone-related disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 5784-4
- Short code
- Cystine Cry UrnS Ql Micro
- Synonyms
- Cystine Cry UrnS Ql Micro
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- microscopy-light
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have a history of kidney stones, especially those made of cystine, or if you show signs of cystinuria—a genetic condition causing cystine to appear in urine in high amounts. It’s also used to monitor treatment progress in people with known cystinuria.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period. Typically, you’ll start by emptying your bladder at home, then continue collecting every time you urinate. Store the urine in a refrigerator until you return it to the lab. Follow your doctor’s instructions precisely to ensure accurate results.
What Happens During the Test
The collected urine sample is analyzed in a lab to measure cystine levels. The test involves specialized techniques to detect and quantify cystine accurately, often using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or similar methods.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a reference range specific to cystine in urine. High levels may indicate cystinuria or other metabolic disorders, while normal levels suggest no significant issues. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your medical history and symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated cystine levels are strongly associated with cystinuria, a genetic disorder that can lead to recurrent kidney stones and urinary tract problems. Early detection allows for timely treatment, such as dietary adjustments, medications, or therapies to prevent complications. Low or normal levels typically indicate no immediate concern, but ongoing monitoring may still be advised if you have a family history of cystinuria or related conditions.
Short name
24-Hour Cystine Urine
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my test results?
What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Can I drink fluids before or during the 24-hour urine collection?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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