Butanoate (Butyrate) in Urine by Liquid Chromatography
This test measures the level of butanoate (also called butyrate) in a urine sample using liquid chromatography. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid produced by gut bacteria and involved in energy and metabolic processes.
["The test measures urinary butyrate to help evaluate certain metabolic or gut-related conditions, but results must be interpreted by a clinician within the full clinical picture."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72465-8
- Short code
- JWH-073 butanoate Ur Ql Cfm
- Synonyms
- JWH-073 butanoate Ur Ql Cfm
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- confirm
- 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 Being Tested
Butanoate, commonly called butyrate, is a short-chain fatty acid. It is produced in the body, largely by bacteria in the large intestine as they ferment dietary fiber, and is also involved in energy metabolism. This test measures how much butanoate is present in a urine specimen.
How the Test Is Done
A urine sample is collected (often a spot sample, or timed collection if your clinician requests it) and sent to the laboratory. There, a method called liquid chromatography separates and detects butanoate in the sample. Your care team will give you specific collection instructions.
What the Results Can Mean
Urine butyrate levels can vary with diet, gut bacterial activity, specimen timing, and individual metabolism. Results outside a laboratory's expected range may prompt further testing, but a single value is rarely meaningful on its own. Your clinician will interpret results alongside your symptoms, history, and other tests.
Important Limitations
Because butyrate is influenced by diet and gut flora, results can fluctuate. Collection method, hydration, and timing also affect readings. The test is not a stand-alone diagnosis and reference intervals vary by laboratory; always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Urinary butyrate testing may be used as part of evaluating short-chain fatty acid metabolism or gut microbial activity. Abnormal values are nonspecific and can reflect dietary patterns, collection issues, or metabolic differences. It should be ordered and interpreted by a qualified clinician in the context of the patient's overall health, and it does not by itself confirm or exclude any specific disease.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast or change my diet before this test?
Is a high or low result dangerous?
How is the sample collected?
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