Heptacarboxylate-to-Creatinine Ratio, 24-Hour Urine
A 24-hour urine test measures heptacarboxylate excretion relative to creatinine, which helps account for differences in urine concentration.
["This test evaluates how much heptacarboxylate is excreted in urine and may help investigate certain metabolic disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 49225-6
- Short code
- Heptacarboxylate/Creat 24h Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- Heptacarboxylate/Creat 24h Ur-sRto
- Category
- kidney
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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
What is this test?
This test measures heptacarboxylate, a small organic acid, in urine collected for 24 hours. Creatinine is measured along with it so the heptacarboxylate result can be adjusted for how concentrated the urine is.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test when unusual urinary organic acids or symptoms suggest a possible inherited metabolic disorder. It is usually interpreted together with symptoms, diet, medications, and other laboratory results.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine into a labeled container for a full 24-hour period. The laboratory then analyzes the urine for heptacarboxylate and measures creatinine to help determine the amount or concentration of heptacarboxylate excreted.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by the laboratory, including the exact start and finish times. Keep the container refrigerated if instructed, record any urine that was missed, and return the sample promptly. Do not make major diet or medication changes unless your clinician advises you to do so.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated urine heptacarboxylate result may occur with certain disorders of organic acid or energy metabolism, but one result alone does not establish a diagnosis. Diet, medications, fasting status, and collection completeness can also affect the measurement, so the result should be reviewed by a qualified clinician.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Heptacarboxylate
Frequently asked questions
Why is a 24-hour urine collection used?
What if I miss part of the collection?
Does an abnormal result mean I have a metabolic disorder?
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