What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing recurrent kidney stones or have a history of calcium-based kidney stones and want to understand what's contributing to them. It measures the citric acid in your urine over a full day, which plays a big role in whether calcium stones form. It's also useful if you're already being treated for stones and want to see if your citrate levels have improved.

What's included in this test?

This test focuses on two closely related measurements that work together to give an accurate picture of your kidney stone risk. Because urine output can vary from person to person, checking the second marker alongside the main one helps confirm that your 24-hour collection was complete and reliable, so the results can be trusted.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a clear explanation of the normal range for citric acid and creatinine so you can see exactly where you stand. If your citrate is low, simple next steps often include drinking more water, adding citrus fruits like lemons to your diet, and reducing salt intake, then retesting after a few months to track progress. A downloadable lab report is available in your account for your records, and you can use the trends feature to watch how your levels change over time. If your results show something concerning, the report will note when it's worth seeking care right away.

How can I naturally support healthy citrate levels?

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps dilute your urine and reduce stone-forming minerals. Eating citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges can naturally raise your citrate levels since they're rich in natural citrate. Cutting back on salty and processed foods also helps, since too much sodium can lower citrate and increase calcium in your urine.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days after your 24-hour urine sample reaches the lab. You'll get a notification once they're posted to your account, where you can view and download the full report.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone who has had one or more calcium kidney stones, especially if they keep coming back, should consider this test. It's also worth doing if you're currently taking citrate supplements or medication for stone prevention and want to check whether they're working.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Sharp pain in your side or back, blood in your urine, or pain that comes and goes in waves can all be signs of a kidney stone. Frequent urinary tract infections or a family history of kidney stones are also good reasons to check your citrate levels. If you've passed a stone before, this test can help figure out why it happened.

What is citric acid and why does it matter?

Citric acid, also called citrate, is a natural substance in your urine that helps stop calcium from clumping together into stones. Think of it as a built-in defense system against kidney stones. When citrate levels are too low, calcium is more likely to crystallize and form painful stones over time.

What does low citric acid mean?

Low citrate in your urine means your body has less natural protection against calcium stone formation, which raises your risk of developing new stones. This can happen due to diet, certain infections, or conditions affecting how your kidneys handle acid balance. Increasing water intake, eating more citrus, and cutting salt are practical first steps to help raise it.

How often should I retest?

If you're making diet changes or starting a citrate supplement, retesting after about 3 months is a reasonable timeframe to see if your levels have improved. If you have a history of frequent stones, yearly testing can help you stay ahead of new ones forming. Your report will note if your specific results suggest a different timeline.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Citric Acid Urine Test - Kidney Stone Risk Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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