Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Chemical Pathology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
CITU
Test Code (Numeric Code)
3982
Laboratory Handling
Laboratory
LabPLUS Special Techniques
Sample Stability
The urine sample should be acidified within 6 hours from the time of completion by the receiving laboratory. Exceptions being for casual samples from children <15 yrs which are acidified on receipt by Specimen Services, LabPLUS.
Samples are frozen upon arrival at LabPLUS.
Synonyms
Citrate - urine
Turnaround Time
2 weeks
Performed once a week
Specimen Type
- 24hr Urine
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Acidified 24hr Urine Container
- Please refer to Additional Information below
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
10
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Acidified 24hr Urine Container
- Please refer to Additional Information below
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
5
Additional Specimen Information
Adults:
24 hr urine collected into a thymol container and delivered to a collection centre within 6 hours of completion to allow prompt acidification. If this is not possible, the specimen can be collected into acid (20ml of 6M HCL)
Testing citrate on spot urine is reserved for children =15 yrs old should always aim for a 24 hour urine collect. If there are unique clinical circumstances whereby only a casual urine can be collected, then prior approval must be obtained from the on-duty Chemical Pathologist.
Children:
Random urine samples may be used; collect into a plain container and transport into the laboratory for acidification within 6 hours. If there will be a delay in transport to the laboratory, please freeze the sample and transport frozen.
Last updated: 31/08/2026