Urine citrate testing is used to assess risk factors in patients with kidney stones and to monitor the treatment of patients with kidney stones or renal tubular acidosis.
More information
Urinary citrate is an important inhibitor of kidney stones (uroliths) and is due to the ability of citrate to bind calcium in the urine. Low levels of citrate in the urine are considered a risk of urolithiasis.
Several metabolic disorders are associated with a low urinary citrate content. Any condition that lowers the pH in the renal tubes or intracellular pH may lower citrate levels (eg metabolic acidosis, increased ingestion of acidic foods, hypokalaemia, or hypomagnesemia).
Low levels of citrate in the urine promote the formation and growth of kidney stones, and treatment of the condition consists of correcting acidosis, hypokalaemia, or hypomagnesemia by appropriately altering diet or using medicines containing citrate and potassium.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
