24-Hour Urine Oxalate Excretion Rate
This test measures how much oxalate (a compound related to vitamin C metabolism) appears in your urine over 24 hours. Oxalate can come from diet, genetics, or other health conditions.
["Helps identify if oxalate levels in urine are too high, which may indicate conditions like kidney stones or metabolic disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14862-7
- Short code
- Oxalate 24h Ur-sRate
- Synonyms
- Oxalate 24h Ur-sRate
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 400
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82670
- 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 doctor may order this test if you’ve had kidney stones, especially calcium oxalate stones, or if you have symptoms like pain in your side or back, blood in your urine, or frequent urination. It may also be used to monitor conditions like primary hyperoxaluria or other metabolic issues affecting oxalate metabolism.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all your urine for a full 24-hour period, typically starting after midnight one day and ending the same time the next day. Drink plenty of fluids to help flush oxalates naturally, but avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
What Happens During the Test
No special preparation is needed beyond collecting urine samples at scheduled times. The test involves measuring the total oxalate content in your urine over the full day, which is then compared to standard reference ranges.
What the Results Mean
High oxalate excretion may suggest conditions like kidney stones, certain genetic disorders, or malabsorption issues. Low levels might indicate vitamin C deficiency or other metabolic factors. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Reference range
Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Oxalate Excretion and Health Risks
Short name
Urine Oxalate Rate
Frequently asked questions
How often should I collect urine for this test?
What foods or supplements can affect my oxalate levels?
Can I take medications that might impact this 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