Urinary Organic Acids Profile (Quantitative)
This test measures the levels of various organic acids found in your urine, which can help identify metabolic or biochemical imbalances.
["This test helps diagnose conditions affecting how your body processes nutrients and energy."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2676-5
- Short code
- Organic Acids Ur Ql
- Synonyms
- Organic Acids Ur Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like unusual fatigue, muscle weakness, or unexplained health issues that could be linked to metabolic disorders. It’s also used in diagnosing conditions such as mitochondrial disorders, inborn errors of metabolism, or other metabolic syndromes.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before collecting your urine sample. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
How the Test Works
A urine sample is collected, often over a 24-hour period or as a single sample, and analyzed using advanced laboratory techniques (such as high-performance liquid chromatography) to measure the concentration of organic acids.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test helps detect abnormalities in organic acid metabolism, which can be linked to conditions like maple syrup urine disease, methylmalonic acidemia, or other metabolic disorders. It may also be used in newborn screening or ongoing monitoring for patients with known metabolic conditions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urinary Organic Acids
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive or abnormal result mean?
Can diet or lifestyle changes affect this test?
How long will it take to get my results?
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