Newcastle Laboratories

Organic acids, urine

Clinical Background:

Urinary organic acid analysis is a first line investigation in a wide range of inborn errors of metabolism. This large class of genetic diseases involves amino acid, carbohydrate and lipid metaboli...

Urinary organic acid analysis is a first line investigation in a wide range of inborn errors of metabolism. This large class of genetic diseases involves amino acid, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, with accumulation of specific organic acids detected in urine often indicative of a metabolic inhibition or block. These disorders have a wide range of clinical presentations either due to accumulation of substances which are toxic or interfere with normal function, or due to the effects of reduced ability to synthesize essential compounds.
Qualitative urinary organic acid analysis allows the diagnosis of organic acid disorders and some fatty acid oxidation defects.

Read More

Test Details

  • Discipline:

    Biochemistry

    Biochemistry

  • Specimen Container Adult:

    Plain universal container

    Plain universal container

  • Specimen Container Paediatric:

    Plain universal container

    Plain universal container

  • Minimum Volume Adult:

    5 mL urine

    5 mL urine

  • Minimum Volume Paediatric:

    3 mL urine

    3 mL urine

  • Special Requirement:

    In the event of a particular presenting syndrome e.g. hypoglycaemia or metabolic acidosis it is important to obtain samples as near to episodes as possible.
    Provide full drug history.

    In the event of a particular presenting syndrome e.g. hypoglycaemia or metabolic acidosis it is important to obtain samples as near to episodes as possible.
    Provide full drug history.

  • Sample Stability:

    Sample should be sent frozen and stored frozen in the laboratory

    Sample should be sent frozen and stored frozen in the laboratory

  • Transport Requirements:

    Ward: Ambient temperature to the laboratory

    External hospitals: Send frozen sample to the RVI

    Ward: Ambient temperature to the laboratory

    External hospitals: Send frozen sample to the RVI

  • Interpretation:

    Urinary organic acid analysis is reported as an interpretive comment, and any suggested follow-up testing will be included. Any clinically urgent results will be telephoned to the requesting clinic...

    Urinary organic acid analysis is reported as an interpretive comment, and any suggested follow-up testing will be included. Any clinically urgent results will be telephoned to the requesting clinician or referral laboratory.
    Over 100 urinary organic acids are usually detected by the analysis, however only specific abnormalities detected will be commented upon. Clinical details are essential for meaningful organic acid interpretation.
    Some drug metabolites may be detected and identified (eg, Valproate, Paracetamol), however many other drugs may also interfere in the analysis therefore a full drug history is helpful to identify these compounds and avoid unnecessary additional investigation. Dietary factors can also significantly affect results so details of any specific diet (eg, medium chain triglyceride containing formula, protein restricted diet) should also be included with the request.

    Read More
  • Reference Ranges:

    Reported as an interpretative comment.

    Reported as an interpretative comment.

  • Factors Affecting Result:

    Clinical details are very important for the interpretation of organic acid profiles. Drugs and dietary factors may interfere in the interpretation. Please provide details of any medication or speci...

    Clinical details are very important for the interpretation of organic acid profiles. Drugs and dietary factors may interfere in the interpretation. Please provide details of any medication or specific diet. 

    If creatinine < 1 mmol/L, sample is too dilute for reliable analysis. Bacterial contamination is likely to affect reliability of results. All samples are tested for nitrate and pH to identify the presence of bacterial contamination.


    Read More
  • Routine Contact Name:

    Duty Biochemist

  • Routine Telephone:

    Freeman: 0191 244 8889

    RVI: 0191 282 9719

    Freeman: 0191 244 8889

    RVI: 0191 282 9719

  • Routine Email:

  • Specialist Test:

    Yes

    Yes

  • Specialist Contact Name:

    Metabolic Clinical Scientist

    Metabolic Clinical Scientist

  • Specialist Telephone:

    0191 282 9685 (Consultant Clinical Scientist)

    0191 282 0334 (Metabolic Laboratory)

    0191 282 9685 (Consultant Clinical Scientist)

    0191 282 0334 (Metabolic Laboratory)

  • Specialist Email:

Availability:

Available during full access hours
Assayed weekly
Site of analysis: RVI

Turn Around:

Within 2 weeks

Send To:

Department of Blood Sciences

Level 3
Leazes Wing
Royal Victoria Infirmary
Queen Victoria Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4LP

View all tests