Organic acids profile (24-hour urine collection)
This test measures levels of various organic acids in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps identify metabolic imbalances, such as those linked to mitochondrial disorders, mitochondrial dysfunction, or metabolic syndromes.
["This test can help diagnose or monitor conditions affecting how your body processes energy and nutrients."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 108850-9
- Short code
- Organic Acids Msmt SerPl
- Synonyms
- Organic Acids Msmt SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, developmental delays in children, or unexplained health issues that might suggest metabolic problems. It’s also used to check for conditions like mitochondrial disorders, methylmalonic acidemia, or organic acidemias.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, typically starting after midnight on one day and ending just before midnight the next. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results. Avoid certain medications or foods that might interfere with the test.
What the Test Measures
The test detects abnormal levels of organic acids like lactic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, and others. These acids are byproducts of normal metabolic processes, and elevated levels may indicate metabolic disorders or enzyme deficiencies.
How the Results Are Interpreted
Your results will be reviewed by a healthcare provider or metabolic specialist. Elevated or unusual levels of specific acids may point to underlying conditions that require further testing or treatment, such as genetic disorders or mitochondrial diseases.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Organic acids in urine can reflect metabolic pathways that are disrupted by genetic mutations, mitochondrial dysfunction, or other health conditions. For example, high levels of certain acids may suggest conditions like methylmalonic acidemia, propionic acidemia, or other inherited metabolic disorders. Early detection can guide treatment plans, including dietary adjustments or enzyme therapies.
Short name
24-Hour Organic Acids Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive or abnormal result mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can I eat or drink anything before the test?
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