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Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) concentration in urine

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of indole-3-acetic acid, a compound produced by the breakdown of certain amino acids in your body, found in your urine. It may help assess gut health or metabolic processes.

Quick summary

["This test helps evaluate how your body processes certain nutrients and may be linked to gut function."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
72462-5
Short code
JWH-200 4OH-indole Ur Ql Cfm
Synonyms
JWH-200 4OH-indole 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 Does This Test Measure?

Indole-3-acetic acid is a metabolite derived from tryptophan, an essential amino acid. Your body produces it through gut bacteria metabolism. Elevated levels may suggest abnormal gut flora or metabolic conditions.

Why Might You Need This Test?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like digestive issues, metabolic disorders, or if you’re being evaluated for conditions affecting gut health or tryptophan metabolism.

How Is the Test Performed?

A urine sample is collected, typically over a 24-hour period or at a single point in time, depending on the clinical indication. The sample is then analyzed in a lab using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method to measure indole-3-acetic acid levels.

What Are Possible Results?

Results are expressed in micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or milligrams per liter (mg/L), depending on the lab’s reporting method. Interpretation depends on clinical context and may not have a single reference range for all individuals.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine Indole-3-Acetic Acid

Frequently asked questions

What Does a High or Low Level Mean?
High levels may indicate conditions like certain metabolic disorders, gut microbiome imbalances, or excessive tryptophan metabolism. Low levels could suggest deficiencies in tryptophan processing or specific metabolic pathways.
Can This Test Detect Specific Conditions?
While not diagnostic for a single condition, elevated indole-3-acetic acid can be part of broader evaluations for metabolic disorders, gut health assessments, or research into tryptophan metabolism. It’s often used alongside other tests for a comprehensive evaluation.
How Often Should I Get This Test?
The frequency depends on your healthcare provider’s recommendations. This test may be part of routine monitoring for certain conditions or performed periodically if you have ongoing symptoms or risk factors.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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