Organic Acids and Creatinine, Urine
Measures organic acids in urine, with creatinine sometimes reported to account for differences in urine concentration.
["This test can help evaluate possible inherited or acquired disorders of metabolism when symptoms suggest an abnormal buildup of metabolic byproducts."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44343-2
- Short code
- Organic Acids/Creat Ur
- Synonyms
- Organic Acids/Creat Ur
- Category
- kidney
- 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
What is this test?
This test measures organic acids, which are substances produced during metabolism, in a urine sample. Creatinine may also be measured to show how concentrated the urine is, because urine amount and concentration can affect the interpretation of other results.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test when a patient, especially a child, has unexplained symptoms such as poor growth, developmental concerns, vomiting, unusual fatigue, muscle problems, episodes of altered consciousness, or an unexplained buildup of a substance in the blood. It may be used to investigate suspected inherited metabolic disorders.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected and analyzed in the laboratory. The collection may be a single sample or a timed collection, depending on the test ordered. The laboratory may use a specialized chemical analysis method to identify and quantify urine organic acids.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions exactly, including any specified collection time or handling requirements. Do not fast or make major diet or medication changes unless your clinician directs you to do so, and tell the laboratory about supplements, medications, and recent illness.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal results may indicate that certain metabolic byproducts are not being processed normally, which can occur with inherited metabolic disorders or, less commonly, acquired conditions. Results can also be affected by diet, fasting, medications, illness, or how the urine was collected, so abnormalities generally require clinical interpretation and sometimes confirmatory testing. Creatinine helps provide context for urine concentration but does not by itself establish a diagnosis.
Short name
Urine Organic Acids
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required for a urine organic acids test?
Why is creatinine included with urine organic acids?
Do abnormal results always mean an inherited 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