Oxalate in Urine (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of oxalate, a chemical compound, found in your urine over a 24-hour period. Oxalates are part of the breakdown of certain foods and can contribute to kidney stones or other health issues if levels are too high.
["Your doctor may check urine oxalate levels to assess risk for kidney stones or metabolic conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12797-7
- Short code
- Oxalate sp9 p chal Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Oxalate sp9 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have a history of kidney stones, symptoms like pain in your side or back (flank pain), frequent urination, blood in urine, or if you’re at risk due to diet, genetics, or certain medical conditions. It can also help monitor conditions like primary hyperoxaluria or metabolic disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You’ll typically provide a 24-hour urine collection, starting after your first morning urine and continuing until you collect urine again the next morning. Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out oxalates naturally.
What to Expect During the Test
The test involves collecting all urine produced over a full day. You’ll receive clear instructions on how to properly collect your urine samples, usually in a container provided by your lab. Some patients may need to use a special urine collection kit or split their urine into multiple containers.
What the Results Mean
Higher than expected levels of oxalate in urine may indicate an increased risk of kidney stones or other metabolic issues. Lower levels might suggest a need for further evaluation if you have symptoms or a known condition affecting oxalate metabolism.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated urine oxalate levels can signal conditions like primary hyperoxaluria (a genetic disorder causing excessive oxalate production), kidney stones, or metabolic disorders affecting calcium and oxalate balance. Low levels may warrant further investigation if you have symptoms of oxalate-related issues or a history of metabolic abnormalities. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
Short name
Urine Oxalate
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated urine oxalate levels?
How can I lower my urine oxalate levels?
Can diet changes alone manage high urine oxalate levels?
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