Oxalate in Urine (Quantitative, 24-Hour Collection)
This test measures the total amount of oxalate, a compound formed from vitamin C and other substances in your urine over a full day. Oxalate can contribute to kidney stones or other health issues if levels are consistently high.
["Assess urinary oxalate excretion to identify potential risks for kidney stones or metabolic disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12796-9
- Short code
- Oxalate sp8 p chal Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Oxalate sp8 p chal Ur-mCnc
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have a history of kidney stones, certain digestive disorders (like inflammatory bowel disease), or symptoms such as pain in your back or side that could indicate kidney stones. It may also be used to monitor conditions affecting oxalate metabolism.
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 after midnight the next. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results. Drink plenty of fluids during this time to help flush oxalates naturally.
What to Expect During the Test
No special preparation is needed beyond the 24-hour urine collection. Your sample will be sent to a lab for analysis using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method to measure oxalate levels precisely.
What the Results Mean
Results help determine if your body is excreting oxalate at a level that could pose risks. High levels may suggest conditions like primary hyperoxaluria or malabsorption issues, while normal levels help rule out these concerns.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated urinary oxalate levels may increase the risk of forming calcium oxalate kidney stones, which are common and painful. It can also indicate metabolic disorders affecting oxalate metabolism, such as primary hyperoxaluria. Regular monitoring may be needed if you have a history of kidney stones or related conditions.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Oxalate
Frequently asked questions
What causes high oxalate levels in urine?
How can I lower my oxalate levels if my test is high?
Is there any risk or discomfort with 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