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Medical information Clinical review pending

Neurology

Citrate 24 Hour Urine Test

The Citrate 24 Hour Urine Test measures citrate levels in a 24-hour urine sample to help evaluate kidney function and detect disorders related to citrate metabolism. Useful for diagnosing kidney disorders and assessing kidney stone risk.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
A 10 mL (5 mL minimum) aliquot of a 24-hour urine collection. Urine must be collected with 25 mL of 50% concentrated HCl to maintain a pH below 3.
Results
Same-day reporting for samples received by 4 PM.
Preparation
Collect urine over a 24-hour period. Ensure the collection container includes 25 mL of 50% concentrated HCl. Record the total urine volume collected. Refrigerate or freeze the sample before submission. Confirm specific collection instructions with the laboratory before starting.
Test priceKSh 1,918

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Citrate 24 Hour Urine Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Frequent kidney stones
  • ✓Symptoms of kidney dysfunction
  • ✓Metabolic disorders affecting kidney health
  • ✓Monitoring kidney stone prevention treatment
  • ✓Evaluation of renal tubular acidosis
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Assessing kidney function, diagnosing kidney disorders, evaluating metabolic disorders, assessing risk for kidney stone formation.
The Citrate 24 Hour Urine Test is a diagnostic tool used to assess kidney function and identify disorders related to citrate metabolism. This test measures the amount of citrate excreted in urine over a 24-hour period, offering insights into kidney health and metabolic processes. Monitoring citrate levels is crucial for diagnosing various kidney disorders, as abnormal levels can indicate metabolic issues, kidney stones, or other renal conditions. Early detection through this test can lead to timely interventions and better health outcomes. The test measures the concentration of citrate in urine, helping evaluate kidney function and determine the risk of kidney stones, as citrate inhibits stone formation. This test is recommended for individuals experiencing frequent kidney stones, symptoms of kidney dysfunction (like swelling, fatigue, or changes in urination), or metabolic disorders affecting kidney health. It provides critical information about kidney function, helps identify metabolic disorders, guides treatment for kidney stone prevention, and offers same-day report turnaround for timely results. Always consult your healthcare provider for an accurate interpretation of your results.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationCollect urine over a 24-hour period. Ensure the collection container includes 25 mL of 50% concentrated HCl. Record the total urine volume collected. Refrigerate or freeze the sample before submission. Confirm specific collection instructions with the laboratory before starting.
SampleA 10 mL (5 mL minimum) aliquot of a 24-hour urine collection. Urine must be collected with 25 mL of 50% concentrated HCl to maintain a pH below 3.
MethodologyConfirm with the laboratory before booking.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Accuracy depends on proper 24-hour urine collection technique and preservation with HCl. Results may be affected by diet and certain medications. This test is not a standalone diagnostic tool and should be interpreted in the clinical context.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

This test measures the amount of citrate in your urine collected over a 24-hour period.
Citrate levels in urine can help assess kidney function, diagnose certain kidney disorders, and evaluate the risk of forming kidney stones.
You will need to collect all your urine for 24 hours into a special container that contains hydrochloric acid. Please follow the specific instructions provided by the laboratory carefully.
Results are typically reported on the same day the sample is received by the laboratory, provided it arrives before 4 PM.
Fasting is generally not required, but please follow any specific dietary instructions provided by your doctor or the laboratory.
An abnormal result may indicate a kidney disorder or a metabolic issue. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

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09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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