What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing recurrent kidney stones or if a past urine test found cystine crystals. It measures how much cystine your body is releasing into urine over a full day, which helps identify a genetic condition called cystinuria. It's also useful if you already have cystinuria and need to see whether your current treatment plan is keeping cystine levels in check.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with the cystine value alongside the normal reference range so you can see exactly where you fall. If your levels are elevated, next steps often include drinking more water throughout the day, reducing salt and animal protein, and rechecking your urine cystine periodically to track progress. If a result looks dangerously high or you're having severe pain, seek medical care right away. You can download a standard lab report anytime and use the trends feature to compare results across multiple collections over time.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for anyone who has had a kidney stone at an unusually young age, has recurring stones, or has a family history of cystinuria. It's also useful for people who had cystine crystals show up on a routine urinalysis. Those already diagnosed with cystinuria can use it regularly to see if their prevention plan is working.

How can I naturally support healthy cystine levels?

Drinking a lot of water throughout the day and night is one of the most effective ways to dilute cystine and lower the chance of crystals forming. Cutting back on salty foods and limiting animal protein can also reduce how much cystine your kidneys need to filter. Some people find that adding more fruits and vegetables, which make urine less acidic, helps as well. These are lifestyle habits worth discussing with whoever manages your care plan, not a replacement for treatment already prescribed.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab collection. Once processed, they'll appear directly in your online account where you can view and download them.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Sharp pain in your back or side, blood in your urine, or repeated kidney stones are the main red flags. Some people notice this pain comes back again and again over the years, which is common with cystinuria since stones tend to recur. If a previous urinalysis mentioned cystine crystals, that's another clear sign this test is worth doing.

What is cystinuria and why does it matter?

Cystinuria is an inherited condition where your kidneys let too much cystine, an amino acid, leak into your urine instead of reabsorbing it. When cystine builds up, it can form hard crystals and eventually kidney stones. It matters because it's a lifelong condition — about 83% of people who form one cystine stone will have another within five years, so ongoing monitoring really helps.

What does a high cystine result mean?

A high result means your urine is carrying more cystine than usual, which raises your risk of forming crystals and stones. It doesn't automatically mean you have a stone right now, but it signals that prevention steps like increased water intake and dietary changes are worth starting or adjusting. Repeat testing helps confirm whether those changes are making a difference.

What causes high cystine in urine?

The most common cause is cystinuria, a genetic condition where the kidneys don't properly reabsorb cystine and other similar amino acids. Dehydration and a diet high in salt or animal protein can make the levels look even higher or worsen crystal formation. Since it's inherited, family history plays a big role too.

How often should I retest?

Many people with known cystinuria retest every few months to a year to make sure their prevention plan is still working, especially after any diet or medication changes. If you're newly diagnosed or adjusting your routine, more frequent testing can help you see results faster. Using the trends feature makes it easy to spot patterns over multiple tests.

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.

Cystine 24-Hour Urine Test - Kidney Stone Screening

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

[email protected]