Hydroxyproline in Serum (as a Measure of Collagen Breakdown)
This test measures hydroxyproline, a breakdown product of collagen, in your blood serum. It helps assess collagen metabolism and can be useful in certain conditions affecting connective tissues.
["Hydroxyproline levels may indicate how your body breaks down collagen over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73169-5
- Short code
- raNITIdine ind plt IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Synonyms
- raNITIdine ind plt IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- CPT
- 82784
- 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms or conditions linked to collagen-related issues, such as chronic wounds, scarring, or connective tissue disorders. It could also be part of monitoring for conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or other connective tissue diseases.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the blood draw, but this depends on your provider’s instructions. Avoid strenuous activity or consuming certain medications that could affect results.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis to measure hydroxyproline levels.
What the Results Mean
Results are not provided with specific reference ranges in general. Your provider will interpret the results in relation to your medical history, symptoms, and other test results to determine if levels are abnormal or meaningful for your condition.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Hydroxyproline is a key marker for collagen degradation. Elevated levels may suggest increased collagen turnover, which can occur in chronic wounds, excessive scarring, or certain connective tissue disorders. Lower levels might be less commonly evaluated but could be considered in specific clinical contexts, such as rare metabolic conditions.
Short name
Hydroxyproline Serum
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
Is there any risk or discomfort associated with this blood 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