What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing recurring kidney stones or if a urinalysis has flagged cystine crystals in your urine. It helps check for cystinuria, a genetic condition that causes too much cystine to spill into your urine, which can form painful stones. It's especially helpful if a quick, one-time urine sample is easier for you (or your child) to provide than a full-day collection.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your online account with the normal range explained so you can see exactly where your cystine level falls. If your level is elevated, next steps usually include drinking a lot more water, cutting back on salt and animal protein, and repeating urine testing to confirm the pattern. The standard lab report is available to download from your account anytime, and you can use the trends feature to track your cystine levels over multiple tests to see if lifestyle changes are working.

What's included in this test?

This test measures cystine and creatinine in a random urine sample and reports the cystine-to-creatinine ratio. Cystine is an amino acid that, when overproduced, can form crystals and painful kidney stones, while creatinine is a waste product your body makes at a steady rate, used here to adjust for how concentrated or diluted your urine sample is. Looking at cystine relative to creatinine gives a more reliable picture than cystine alone, since urine concentration can vary a lot throughout the day.

How can I naturally support healthy cystine levels?

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day, including before bed, is one of the most effective ways to keep cystine dissolved in urine and reduce stone risk. Cutting back on salty foods and limiting animal protein like red meat can also lower how much cystine your body excretes. Some people find that adding more fruits and vegetables, which make urine less acidic, helps as well, but check with your care routine before making major diet changes if you already have kidney issues.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. You'll get a notification once your report is available, and you can log into your account to view and download it at that point.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for anyone who has had a kidney stone at a young age, has recurring kidney stones, or has family members with cystinuria. It's also useful when a routine urinalysis has already shown cystine crystals. Parents of young children who can't easily complete a full 24-hour urine collection may prefer this simpler random-sample option.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for symptoms like sharp back or side pain, blood in your urine, or passing small gritty stones, all of which can point to kidney stones. Recurring stones, especially if they started in childhood or run in your family, are a strong signal that cystinuria could be the cause. Frequent urinary tract infections alongside stone symptoms can also be worth checking out with this test.

What does a high cystine result mean?

A high cystine-to-creatinine ratio suggests your body is excreting more cystine than normal, which raises your risk of forming kidney stones made of cystine. This pattern is typically caused by an inherited condition called cystinuria, where your kidneys don't reabsorb cystine properly. If your result is high, drinking significantly more water and reducing salt and animal protein intake are practical first steps while you plan a retest.

What causes a high cystine level?

The main cause of elevated urine cystine is cystinuria, a genetic condition passed down from both parents that affects how the kidneys handle certain amino acids. Dehydration and a diet high in salt or animal protein won't cause cystinuria itself but can make the resulting stone risk worse. Because it's inherited, other family members may also want to get tested if one person is diagnosed.

How often should I retest?

If you're newly diagnosed or adjusting your diet and fluid intake, retesting every few months can help confirm your cystine levels are trending in the right direction. Once levels are stable and stone episodes have slowed, testing once or twice a year is often enough to keep monitoring things. If you develop new stone symptoms at any point, it's a good idea to retest sooner rather than waiting for your scheduled 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! 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 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]

Urine Cystine Test for Kidney Stone Risk

Cystine, Random Urine with Creatinine

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What's included in this test?

What happens after I get my results?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

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Urine Cystine Test for Kidney Stone Risk

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say