What Tests Exactly Should My Doctor Order for the 24-Hour Urine Collection?

Jill Harris, LPN, CHC

August 13, 2023

What tests EXACTLY should my doctor order for the 24-hour urine collection?

This is a common question for stone formers and, frankly, many doctors are unsure of what exactly to look for—below I list the values most typically ordered.

Remember to read this article to understand the importance of getting a urine collection ordered.

Yes, I do like Litholink for testing. I worked there for many years; this was Dr. Coe’s lab. He sold it to LabCorp, and we make no nickles from talking about it. Litholink’s reporting process is remarkable, which is why LabCorp bought them. BUT. Your doctor doesn’t have to use Litholink. Many doctors are contracted with a specific lab and have no choice in where they order their 24-hour urine collections. Just get the darn thing ordered, no matter where it comes from.

Here is what should ideally be tested for in the 24-hour urine collection (found from Litholink).

Volume
Calcium
Creatinine
Citrate
Phosphorus
pH
Sodium
Urea Nitrogen
Oxalate
Chloride
Ammonium
Magnesium
Potassium
Uric Acid
Sulfate
Qualitative Cystine screen
Urine Time Collection
Supersaturation calculations.

Here are the tests typically ordered for the fasting blood draw that the doctor SHOULD order with your 24-hour urine collection, but often does not.

Potassium
Chloride
C02
Creatinine
Calcium
Phosphorus
Magnesium
Uric Acid

If your doctor doesn’t order the fasting blood draw, don’t let that hinder you from getting the urine collection ordered—that is the most important thing. You can always get the blood test later. I am alerting you to the Gold Standard of testing, but not all labs will report on precisely these values. It should be pretty darn close, though.

Please, I beg you, please tell your doctor to order a 24-hour urine collection if you have kidney stones. These tests can reveal the causes of your stones and they are often things you’d never expect.

If you already have your test results and want to better understand them so you can have more productive doctor visits, schedule a urine consult. You’ll be glad you did. Promise.

Thanks for being here with me. Your trust is never taken for granted.

Your friend and advocate,
Jill

About the Author

Jill Harris is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) who specializes in kidney stone prevention. Her goal is to teach you what you need to know and, more importantly, how to put that knowledge to work so you can stop forming stones. For good.

Beth Watson

March 29, 2024

Hi Jill
I did a 24 hour urine collection due to a calcium oxalate stone.
The thing is I did the collection after I went low oxalate, low sodium, low sugar along with drinking 64-80 ozs of water every day for a month before.The results were good! How do I know what was causing my stones before I stared the diet?

Reply
1. Jill Harris, LPN, CHC
  
  April 4, 2024
  
  Hi BEth
  If it is good now with diet changes we can pretty much assume your diet was the culprit.
  j
  
  Reply
John

January 12, 2025

I’m going to be doing my 1st test. I understand I should eat as I did before my stone happened. I’ve tweeked my diet some for weight gain and added healthy foods. so should I stop with what I’m doing now and eat as I did. thanks

Reply
1. Jill Harris, LPN, CHC
  
  January 12, 2025
  
  Hi John,
  We ask that you go back to your old way of eating for the day of the collection. But that being said, many feel uncomfortable doing that. As the patient you must make the decision, but it is good to know what was making stones for you.
  j
  
  Reply

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