Kidney Health

a protein that is produced by the cells in your body

Oxalate, Serum/Plasma – What Your Lab Results Mean What is Oxalate? Oxalate (or oxalic acid) is a naturally occurring substance found in many foods and also produced as a waste product in the body. It is not essential for human health and is typically excreted in the urine. In the bloodstream, oxalate levels are usually very low under normal circumstances. What Does the Oxalate, Serum/Plasma Test Measure? The Oxalate, Serum/Plasma test measures the concentration of oxalate circulating in your blood. This test is primarily used to: Evaluate primary or secondary hyperoxaluria (a condition of excessive oxalate production or absorption) Assess risk for calcium oxalate kidney stones Monitor kidney function in patients with known oxalate-related disorders Help diagnose oxalate nephropathy, a rare but serious kidney condition Why Elevated Oxalate Levels Matter High levels of oxalate in the blood may indicate: Primary hyperoxaluria: A rare genetic disorder causing overproduction of oxalate. Secondary hyperoxaluria: Often due to excessive dietary oxalate, poor gut absorption (e.g., in inflammatory bowel disease), or high vitamin C intake (vitamin C can convert to oxalate). Kidney dysfunction: Since the kidneys normally filter oxalate from the blood, impaired kidney function can cause accumulation. Ethylene glycol poisoning: A toxic cause of elevated oxalate that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of Elevated Oxalate While mild elevations may not cause symptoms, higher levels can lead to: Kidney stones Flank or abdominal pain Frequent or painful urination Chronic kidney disease in severe cases How to Lower Oxalate Levels If oxalate levels are high, your healthcare provider may recommend: Dietary changes: Reducing intake of high-oxalate foods (e.g., spinach, beets, nuts, chocolate) Calcium with meals: Calcium binds to oxalate in the gut, reducing absorption Hydration: Drinking more fluids to flush oxalate out via urine Addressing underlying conditions: Such as gut health or vitamin C overuse Normal Reference Range Reference ranges may vary slightly between labs, but typical serum/plasma oxalate levels are: < 2 μmol/L (micromoles per liter) Higher values warrant further investigation, especially if kidney symptoms or a history of kidney stones is present. Key Takeaway The Oxalate, Serum/Plasma test helps assess your risk of kidney stones, oxalate-related disorders, and underlying kidney function. If your levels are elevated, a combination of dietary management, hydration, and medical evaluation can help reduce your risk of complications.

Calculated comparison of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine.

Blood uric acid, with ranges for men and women explained.

Blood uric acid read against a range for women.