Organic acids in urine profile (24-hour collection)
This test measures the levels of various organic acids in your urine over a 24-hour period. Organic acids are compounds produced by your body that can help identify metabolic disorders.
["This test helps diagnose conditions affecting how your body processes energy from food."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48797-5
- Short code
- Organic Acids Pnl Ur
- Synonyms
- Organic Acids Pnl Ur
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like unusual smells in urine, fatigue, muscle weakness, or unexplained health issues that could be linked to metabolic problems. It’s also used to monitor certain inherited metabolic disorders.
What Does the Test Involve?
You’ll collect your urine for 24 hours, starting and ending at the same time each day. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using advanced techniques like chromatography to identify and measure different organic acids.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you should drink plenty of water to ensure your urine is well-diluted. Avoid certain medications or supplements that might interfere with results, as advised by your doctor.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll collect your urine in a container for the full 24-hour period, discarding the first morning urine and collecting everything afterward. Label the container with the start time and your name.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: This test helps identify metabolic disorders such as mitochondrial diseases, organic acidemias, or other conditions affecting how your body breaks down nutrients. Elevated levels of specific organic acids can point to genetic or acquired metabolic issues that may require further testing or treatment.
Short name
Organic Acids Urine Test
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get the results of this test?
What does it mean if my organic acid levels are abnormal?
Can I eat or drink anything special before the urine collection?
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