24 HRS URINARY CITRATE (CITRIC ACID) / CITRATE EXTRACTION Test in UAE

24 Hrs Urinary Citrate (Citric Acid) / Citrate Extraction Test in Dubai and across the UAE to assess kidney stone risk and evaluate metabolic causes of recurrent stones. This essential urine test measures citrate levels over 24 hours, helping identify hypocitraturia — a common but correctable cause of kidney stone formation. Low citrate allows calcium and oxalate to crystallize, increasing stone risk. Results available within 7–10 days.

Overview

The 24-Hour Urinary Citrate (Citric Acid) test measures the total amount of citrate excreted in urine over a full day. Citrate is a natural inhibitor of kidney stone formation — it binds to calcium and prevents it from combining with oxalate or phosphate to form crystals. Low levels (hypocitraturia) are linked to an increased risk of calcium-based kidney stones. This test is crucial for patients with a history of recurrent stones or metabolic kidney disorders. Results are typically available within 7–10 business days.

Why You Need This Test

• Diagnose hypocitraturia — a leading metabolic cause of kidney stones.
• Evaluate patients with recurrent calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate kidney stones.
• Assess risk factors in patients with chronic kidney disease or renal tubular acidosis.
• Monitor effectiveness of potassium citrate therapy or dietary interventions.
• Investigate unexplained urinary crystallization or nephrolithiasis.
• Part of a full 24-hour kidney stone risk panel (calcium, oxalate, uric acid, pH, volume).
• Available with home urine collection kit across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and all Emirates.

Symptoms & Risk Factors

Common Symptoms

• Recurrent kidney stones confirmed by imaging or passed stones
• Flank or abdominal pain radiating to the groin
• Blood in urine (hematuria), often after an episode
• Painful urination or frequent urge to urinate
• Nausea and vomiting during stone episodes

Risk Factors

• History of kidney stones (especially calcium-based)
• Low fluid intake or chronic dehydration
• High animal protein or sodium diet
• Chronic diarrhea or GI malabsorption (e.g., Crohn’s, gastric bypass)
• Distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA)
• Medications: acetazolamide, topiramate, loop diuretics
• Metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance

How the Test Works

Citrate in urine helps prevent stone formation by binding calcium and increasing urine pH. The 24-hour urinary citrate test provides a comprehensive view of daily citrate excretion, essential for evaluating stone risk.

• Step 1 — Kit delivery: receive a preservative-free or citrate-stabilized urine container and detailed instructions.
• Step 2 — Collection: discard your first morning urine, then collect all urine over the next 24 hours, ending with the first void the next morning.
• Step 3 — Storage: keep the container refrigerated (2–8°C) throughout the collection period.
• Step 4 — Return: deliver or schedule pickup of the sample to the certified lab.
• Step 5 — Results: securely delivered within 7–10 business days.

This test is a cornerstone in preventing recurrent kidney stones through targeted treatment.

Sample Type

• We take: A complete 24-hour urine collection
• Minimum volume: 20 mL (full 24-hour volume required for accuracy)
• Container: provided plastic jug (may include stabilizer for citrate preservation)
• How it’s collected: collect all urine passed over 24 hours in one container
• Storage: must be kept refrigerated (2–8°C) during collection
• Note: incomplete, warm, or improperly labeled samples may be rejected

Risks & Safety

• No physical risks — non-invasive urine collection.
• Minimal inconvenience due to 24-hour collection process.
• No pain or side effects associated with the test.
• Safe for adults and children (with supervision).

Result Interpretation

Normal Range

• Normal: > 320 mg/24hr (lab-dependent; some use > 250 mg/24hr as threshold)
• Values may vary slightly based on diet, hydration, and lab methodology

Low Levels (Hypocitraturia)

• May indicate:
  • Increased risk of calcium kidney stones
  • Distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA)
  • Chronic diarrhea or GI bicarbonate loss
  • High animal protein or acidic diet
  • Medication effects (e.g., acetazolamide, topiramate)

High Levels

• Generally favorable — indicates lower stone risk.
• May reflect response to citrate supplementation (e.g., potassium citrate).
• Rarely, may be seen in citrate metabolism disorders (very uncommon).

Consequences if Untreated

• Recurrent kidney stones causing pain, infections, and hospital visits.
• Progressive kidney damage due to repeated obstruction or inflammation.
• Chronic kidney disease over time, especially with frequent stone episodes.
• Reduced quality of life from pain, missed work, and surgical interventions.
• Increased healthcare costs from imaging, ER visits, and procedures.

Factors Affecting Test Results

• Diet: high animal protein, low fruits/vegetables reduce citrate.
• Hydration: low urine volume concentrates minerals and lowers citrate effect.
• Medications: potassium citrate (increases), acetazolamide, topiramate (decrease).
• Gastrointestinal conditions: malabsorption, chronic diarrhea reduce citrate.
• Incomplete collection: leads to falsely low results.
• Time of day and activity: minor fluctuations, but 24-hour average is reliable.

FAQs

Limitations

• Requires accurate 24-hour collection — incomplete samples lead to false results.
• Must be interpreted alongside calcium, oxalate, uric acid, pH, and urine volume.
• Not a standalone diagnostic — part of a full kidney stone risk assessment.
• Home collection requires refrigeration — warming can degrade citrate.
• Diet and medications must be documented for accurate interpretation.

Book Your 24 Hrs Urinary Citrate Test Today

Stop recurring kidney stones before they start — identify metabolic risks with accurate testing.

• Home Collection Kit Included (Delivered to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah)
• Detailed Results in 7–10 Days for Informed Treatment
• Price: AED 300
• ✅ Certified Labs | Nephrology-Grade Analysis
• 📦 Free Kit Delivery & Return
• 🔒 Secure Reporting | Doctor-Ready Results