4ohbenzoate24hurql
A 24-hour urine test that detects the presence of 4-hydroxybenzoate, a chemical compound often used as a preservative in foods, cosmetics, and medications.
{"This test measures 4-hydroxybenzoate in your urine over 24 hours","It helps doctors check for certain metabolic conditions or chemical exposure","You will need to collect all urine produced in a 24-hour period","Results indicate whether 4-hydroxybenzoate is present or absent in your urine"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43733-5
- Short code
- 4OHBZA-24U
- Synonyms
- 4OHBenzoate 24h Ur Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container (plastic, graduated, labeled)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 400
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 82670
- SNOMED
- 122575004
- Specimen volume
- Complete 24-hour collection (typically 1000-2000 mL, entire collection required)
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 7 days; frozen (-20°C or below) for longer storage up to 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The 4-Hydroxybenzoate urine test is a laboratory analysis that checks whether 4-hydroxybenzoate is present in your urine. 4-Hydroxybenzoate (also known as p-hydroxybenzoate) is a chemical compound that can be found as a metabolite of certain substances or as a result of exposure to products containing parabens, which are commonly used as preservatives in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
How is the test performed?
For this test, you will need to collect all urine you produce over a 24-hour period. You will be given a special container for collection. It's important to collect every urine sample during the collection period and to keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place. After the 24-hour collection is complete, return the container to your healthcare provider or laboratory as instructed.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test to help diagnose certain metabolic disorders, evaluate kidney function, or assess your exposure to parabens or related compounds. It may also be used to monitor certain conditions or to check how your body processes specific substances.
Are there any risks?
This test involves only normal urine collection and carries no significant risks. Some people may find the 24-hour collection process inconvenient. Make sure to follow all collection instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
Reference range
Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A
Collect urine in a 24-hour collection container. Patient should avoid exposure to products containing parabens (personal care products, cosmetics, food preservatives) for 48-72 hours prior to collection if possible. Record the start and end times of collection. Keep container refrigerated during collection period. Instruct patient to void at the beginning of collection period and save all subsequent urine, then void at the end of the collection period.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
What should I do if I miss a urine sample during the 24-hour collection?
Can I take my regular medications during the collection period?
How long will it take to get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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