Oxalate (Blood)

Chemical Pathology

Notes

For the investigation of renal stone problems, 24 hour urine oxalate is the preferred investigation.

Plasma oxalate is only available for determining the efficacy of dialysis in patients with primary oxaluria who are on renal dialysis.

Please contact the duty biochemist first if you wish to request this test.

Sample requirements

For adults, blood taken into an 4mL EDTA tube

For children, blood taken into a 2mL EDTA tube

Storage/transport

Do not store. Blood must be sent immediately to the laboratory after venepuncture as plasma must be separated rapidly from cells.

Required information

Relevant clinical details including reason for the request, and whether pre- or post dialysis.

Turnaround times

Samples are sent for analysis to University College Hospital, London, with results expected back within 3 weeks.

Reference ranges

Less than 10 µmol/L

Further information

To learn more about oxalate visit Lab Tests Online or access the oxalate monograph of the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine