Citrate and Oxalate Spectrophotometry test is used to detect the concentrations of urinary enzymes present in an individual. The concentration of urinary enzymes plays a role in the formation of kidney stones in an individual. This test is recommended if an individual has experienced recurrent kidney stones or can also be recommended for analyzing the kidney function. The test is done in a urine sample collected for a period of 24 hours from a patient.
What are Urinary Citrates and Oxalates?
The Citrate plays the role of a natural antacid in kidneys. It neutralizes the excess of uric acid within kidneys. Can dissolve the formed stones and crystals. The citrate can also prevent microscopic calcium crystals from sticking together and forming stones. The individuals with a low level of citrate in urine tend to develop kidney stones easily. Controlling and supplementing the individual with appropriate medicines can be useful in treating kidney stones and their formation.
Oxalates are the natural end products of metabolism in the body. They are generally excreted through the urine. Higher concentrations of urinary oxalates can cause the calcium in the urine to combine and form crystals. The calcium oxalate crystals are the most common form of kidney stones found in people. These crystals may grow based on the concentration of oxalate and might become stuck within the tiny kidney vessels or urethra.
Why this test is performed?
This test is performed to know whether an individual is having abnormal urine enzyme levels. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if you have kidney stones or if you experience any signs and symptoms of kidney stones such as severe back pain, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, fever or chills.
This test can also be recommended by your doctor if you are already a known patient of kidney stones (nephrolithiasis- a condition leading to the formation of excess of kidney stones), metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia(excessive potassium), hypomagnesemia (excessive magnesium), etc.
How often this test is performed?
If you have a family history of kidney problems or gout, your doctor may ask you to perform this test on a 6-monthly basis or a yearly basis. Patients with kidney disorders and/ or gout should perform this test on a regular basis, as instructed by the doctor.
Precautions: Certain medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and water pills may alter the test results. Inform your doctor about all the medications you take before the test.
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Citrate And Oxalate Spectrophotometry 24 Hour Urine. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Citrate And Oxalate Spectrophotometry 24 Hour Urine.
Healthcare professional may ask you to collect the urine sample in a sterile container over a 24 hour period. Follow all the appropriate instructions given by the healthcare professional during and after the urine sample collection. Submit the collected urine samples in the lab for the test.
If the test results fall in the normal reference range generally no medical intervention is necessary.
If you have higher or lower levels of urinary enzymes in the urine consult your doctor for further instructions. Based on the test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests.
Gender | Age groups | Value |
MALE | All age groups | > 600mg/24 hrs |
FEMALE | All age groups | > 600mg/24 hrs |
MALE | All age groups | 0.11 - 0.46 mmol/24hrs |
FEMALE | All age groups | 0.11 - 0.46 mmol/24hrs |