Organic Acids, Quantitative, Urine Test
The organic acids test measures more than 90 urine biomarkers, used to help evaluate inherited metabolic disorders that affect amino acid, lipid, and energy metabolism pathways.
About this test
Quest describes this test as quantifying organic acids in urine using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, from a 10 mL random urine sample collected in a sterile, preservative-free container. Elevated levels of one or more organic acids are associated with inherited disorders affecting amino acid, lipid, purine/pyrimidine, urea cycle, Krebs cycle, and fatty acid metabolism.
The panel is broad by design, covering dozens of individually named acids such as 3-hydroxybutyric acid, glutaric acid, and methylmalonic-pathway markers, among many others. Quest describes the test as used in the diagnosis and monitoring of inherited metabolic disorders, in assessing dietary or cofactor therapy compliance and effectiveness, and in confirming findings from a positive expanded newborn screen.
Who might consider this test?
- Often following up on a suspected inherited metabolic disorder
- Confirming an expanded newborn screening result
- Tracking how well a dietary or cofactor therapy is working
Test details
| Quest code | 35819 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry |
| Sample type | 10 mL random urine |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
Related tests and panels
Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The test quantifies a broad panel of organic acids in urine, more than 90 named markers, by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Quest lists this test under several names, including Organic Acids, Comprehensive, Quantitative, Urine and Organic Acids in Urine, which refer to the same panel.
How it's often used alongside other tests
Quest describes this test as used to confirm findings from a positive expanded newborn screen, which means it is often ordered as a follow-up to another result rather than as a first step. It is also used to monitor how well a dietary or cofactor therapy is working over time, which means a clinician may order it more than once for the same person.
Order online and a physician order is included — no doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does the organic acids test measure?
It quantifies more than 90 organic acid biomarkers in urine using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, covering pathways involved in amino acid, lipid, purine/pyrimidine, urea cycle, Krebs cycle, and fatty acid metabolism.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses a 10 mL random urine sample, collected in a sterile, screw-cap container with no preservative.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No preparation instructions are listed for this test, though people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides.
Why might this test be ordered?
Quest describes it as used in the diagnosis and monitoring of inherited metabolic disorders, to assess dietary or cofactor therapy compliance and effectiveness, and to confirm findings of a positive expanded newborn screen.
Does timing matter for this test?
Quest notes that because many of these conditions are episodic, testing is often most informative during a symptomatic period.
Can I get the Organic Acids, Comprehensive, Quantitative, Urine test without a doctor's visit or insurance?
Yes. The $1035 cash price includes an independent physician's order, so no referral is needed, and insurance is never involved.