Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Urine calcium can be used to assess parathyroid disease and familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH). Although not predictive of stone formation, urine calcium is frequently elevated in patients with lithiasis. The primary clinical value of urine calcium measurement is to aid in the differential diagnoses of patients and direct optimal treatment options for patients with abnormal serum calcium.
Specimen container paediatric:
Plain universal container (random urine sample)
Specimen container adult:
Plain universal container (random urine sample), or plain or acid rinsed bottle (24 hour urine collection).
Minimum volume paediatric:
1 mL urine
Minimum volume adult:
1 mL urine
Special requirements:
Urine samples should be fresh or acidified to reduce the formation of insoluble calcium phosphate complexes.
Sample stability:
2 days at 15-25°C,
4 days at 2-8°C,
3 weeks at -20°C
Reference ranges:
Random Urine
0 – 6 months: ≤ 2 mmol/mmol creatinine
7 – 18 months: ≤ 1.40 mmol/mmol creatinine
≥ 19 months: ≤ 0.75 mmol/mmol creatinine
24 hour Urine
Adult: 2.50 – 7.50 mmol/24hr