24-Hour Urine Phenylglycine Metabolite (Phenylglycine or Phenylglycine-related Substance) Analysis
This test measures certain breakdown products of phenylalanine in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess how well your body is processing phenylalanine, which is important for diagnosing or monitoring conditions like phenylketonuria (PKU).
["This test helps track phenylalanine metabolism, critical for managing genetic disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53496-6
- Short code
- 3Me4OH-phenylglycol 24h Ur-sCnc
- Synonyms
- 3Me4OH-phenylglycol 24h Ur-sCnc
- Category
- glucose
- 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 doctor may order this test if you have or are at risk for phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder that affects how your body processes phenylalanine, an amino acid found in many foods. It may also be used to monitor treatment progress or check for metabolic issues in newborns or infants.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll collect all urine for 24 hours, typically starting after midnight of one day and ending the same time the next day. Store the urine in a clean container and keep it refrigerated until you return it to the lab. Follow any specific instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
During the Test
No special preparation is needed beyond collecting urine over 24 hours. The lab analyzes the urine sample to measure specific phenylglycine metabolites, which are indicators of phenylalanine metabolism.
Possible Results and Next Steps
Results are reviewed by your healthcare provider to determine if your phenylalanine metabolism is functioning normally or if there are signs of PKU or other metabolic issues. They’ll discuss findings with you and may recommend dietary adjustments or further testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
24-Hour Urine Phenylglycine Metabolite Test
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal result mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can I eat or drink anything before the 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