Oxalic Acid, 24-Hour Urine with Creatinine Test

The Oxalic Acid, 24-Hour Urine with Creatinine Test test contains 1 test with 4 biomarkers .

Brief Description: The Oxalic Acid, 24-Hour Urine with Creatinine test is a diagnostic tool used to measure the levels of oxalic acid (oxalate) and creatinine in a patient's urine over a 24-hour period. Oxalic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, derived from dietary sources and metabolic processes. It plays a significant role in kidney function and metabolic health. Elevated levels of oxalate in the urine can contribute to kidney stone formation and may indicate underlying metabolic disorders. This test is particularly useful in assessing the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones, evaluating kidney function, and diagnosing certain metabolic disorders. The inclusion of creatinine measurement allows for a more accurate interpretation of oxalate excretion by normalizing results relative to kidney function.

Testing Method: Spectrophotometry

Collection Method: 24 Hour Urine Collection 
Specimen: 10 mL Urine 

Test Preparation: No preparation required.

When and Why the Oxalic Acid, 24-Hour Urine with Creatinine Test May Be Ordered

A healthcare provider may order the Oxalic Acid, 24-Hour Urine with Creatinine test for patients experiencing recurrent kidney stones, unexplained kidney dysfunction, or symptoms of metabolic disorders affecting oxalate metabolism. This test is often recommended for individuals with a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones, as it helps determine whether excessive oxalate excretion is contributing to stone formation. It may also be ordered for patients with suspected primary or secondary hyperoxaluria, conditions characterized by excessive oxalate production and excretion. Additionally, individuals who have undergone intestinal surgeries, such as gastric bypass, or those with chronic gastrointestinal conditions that affect nutrient absorption, like Crohn’s disease, may require this test to assess malabsorption-related oxalate excess.

What the Oxalic Acid, 24-Hour Urine with Creatinine Test Checks For

The Oxalic Acid, 24-Hour Urine with Creatinine test measures two key biomarkers: oxalic acid (oxalate) and creatinine. These markers provide essential information about oxalate metabolism, kidney function, and the risk of kidney stone formation.

Oxalic Acid (Oxalate)

Oxalic acid is an organic compound that binds with calcium to form calcium oxalate, the most common type of kidney stone. It is derived from both dietary sources (such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate) and metabolic processes within the body. Excess oxalate in the urine, known as hyperoxaluria, can lead to kidney stone formation and potential kidney damage. The test measures urinary oxalate levels over 24 hours to assess whether oxalate excretion is within a normal range. Elevated levels may indicate excessive dietary intake, impaired oxalate metabolism, or a gastrointestinal disorder affecting oxalate absorption.

Creatinine

Creatinine is a waste product generated by muscle metabolism and excreted by the kidneys. It serves as a marker of kidney function and is included in this test to normalize oxalate excretion results. By measuring creatinine alongside oxalic acid, healthcare providers can determine whether increased oxalate levels are due to excessive production or impaired kidney function. This comparison provides a clearer understanding of the patient’s metabolic and renal health.

Conditions and Diseases the Oxalic Acid, 24-Hour Urine with Creatinine Test Can Detect

This test is useful in diagnosing and monitoring several conditions that affect kidney function, oxalate metabolism, and overall metabolic health. Early detection of these conditions allows for appropriate interventions to prevent complications such as kidney stones and renal impairment.

Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis)

Calcium oxalate kidney stones are the most common type of kidney stone, and their formation is often linked to high urinary oxalate levels. This test helps determine whether excessive oxalate excretion is a contributing factor in recurrent kidney stone formation. Identifying high oxalate levels allows for dietary and medical interventions to reduce stone risk and prevent recurrence.

Hyperoxaluria

Hyperoxaluria is a condition characterized by excessive oxalate excretion in the urine. It can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary hyperoxaluria is a rare genetic disorder in which the liver overproduces oxalate, leading to kidney damage and stone formation. Secondary hyperoxaluria occurs due to excessive dietary oxalate intake or intestinal malabsorption. This test helps differentiate between the two types and guides appropriate treatment strategies.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Elevated oxalate levels can contribute to kidney damage over time, particularly in individuals with compromised kidney function. This test helps assess whether oxalate accumulation is affecting kidney health. In patients with existing kidney disease, high oxalate levels may indicate a need for dietary modifications or additional interventions to prevent further damage.

Malabsorption Disorders (e.g., Crohn’s Disease, Celiac Disease, Bariatric Surgery Effects)

Gastrointestinal disorders and surgical procedures that affect nutrient absorption can lead to increased oxalate absorption and excretion. Conditions such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and post-bariatric surgery complications can cause secondary hyperoxaluria. This test helps identify excessive oxalate excretion in these patients, allowing healthcare providers to recommend dietary adjustments and preventive measures.

How Healthcare Professionals Use the Oxalic Acid, 24-Hour Urine with Creatinine Test in Treatment and Monitoring

Healthcare providers use this test to diagnose, monitor, and guide treatment strategies for conditions associated with oxalate metabolism and kidney function.

Managing Kidney Stones

If high oxalate levels are detected, healthcare providers may recommend dietary modifications, such as reducing oxalate-rich foods and increasing calcium intake to bind oxalate in the intestines before it reaches the kidneys. Increased fluid intake and medications that alter urine chemistry may also be prescribed to prevent stone formation.

Treating Hyperoxaluria

For patients diagnosed with hyperoxaluria, treatment depends on the underlying cause. In primary hyperoxaluria, medications such as vitamin B6 may be prescribed to reduce oxalate production. In secondary hyperoxaluria, dietary interventions, probiotics, or treatments to improve intestinal absorption may be recommended. Monitoring oxalate levels through repeated testing helps assess treatment effectiveness.

Monitoring Chronic Kidney Disease

For individuals with chronic kidney disease, reducing oxalate levels may help prevent further kidney damage. Healthcare providers may suggest dietary adjustments, fluid management, and medications to protect kidney function. Regular testing helps track oxalate levels and prevent complications.

Managing Malabsorption Disorders

For patients with gastrointestinal disorders affecting oxalate absorption, healthcare providers may recommend a low-oxalate diet, calcium supplementation, or specific treatments to manage gut health. This test allows for monitoring oxalate levels and assessing the effectiveness of dietary and medical interventions.

Conclusion

The Oxalic Acid, 24-Hour Urine with Creatinine test is a crucial diagnostic tool for evaluating oxalate metabolism, kidney function, and the risk of kidney stone formation. By measuring oxalate excretion and creatinine levels, this test helps identify conditions such as kidney stones, hyperoxaluria, chronic kidney disease, and malabsorption disorders. Healthcare providers use the results to guide dietary and medical interventions aimed at preventing complications and improving patient outcomes. Regular monitoring through this test ensures that treatment strategies remain effective in managing oxalate-related conditions and supporting kidney health.