Hydroquinone in Urine (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of hydroquinone, a chemical compound, present in your urine. It may be used to monitor exposure to certain industrial or environmental substances.
["This test helps track potential exposure to harmful chemicals in your urine."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16999-5
- Short code
- Hydroquinone Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Hydroquinone Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you work in industries involving chemicals like dyes, plastics, or rubber manufacturing, or if you have been exposed to environmental contaminants. It could also be part of a broader evaluation for occupational or environmental health concerns.
What Does This Test Involve?
You will provide a urine sample, typically collected over a specific time period (such as 24 hours) or at a single point in time. The sample is then analyzed in a laboratory to measure hydroquinone levels.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are not typically provided with specific numeric ranges, as they depend on exposure levels and individual metabolism. Higher levels may indicate recent exposure to hydroquinone or related substances.
What Does It Mean If My Results Are Abnormal?
Abnormal results might suggest recent exposure to industrial chemicals or environmental contaminants. Your healthcare provider will discuss these findings in the context of your medical history and other tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Hydroquinone is a chemical used in various industrial processes. Prolonged or high-level exposure can pose health risks, including skin irritation, respiratory issues, or more severe systemic effects. This test helps assess exposure levels for monitoring and safety purposes.
Short name
Urine Hydroquinone
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated hydroquinone levels in urine?
This test specifically measures hydroquinone in urine, which is distinct from tests for other chemicals like benzene or solvents. It focuses on a particular compound and its metabolic breakdown products in urine.
Is this test painful or uncomfortable?
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