Organic Acid Test

Organic acids are metabolic intermediates that are produced in pathways of central energy production, detoxification, neurotransmitter breakdown, or intestinal microbial activity. Marked accumulation of specific organic acids detected in urine often signals a metabolic inhibition or block. The metabolic block may be due to a nutrient deficiency, an inherited enzyme deficit, toxic build-up or drug effect. Several of the biomarkers are markers of intestinal bacterial or yeast overgrowth.

The Organix® Comprehensive nutritional test profile provides vital patient information from a single urine specimen. This organic acids nutritional test is valuable for determining:

 

  • Functional vitamin and mineral status
  • Amino acid insufficiencies like carnitine and NAC
  • Oxidative damage and antioxidant need
  • Phase I & Phase II detoxification capacity
  • Functional B-complex vitamin need
  • Neurotransmitter metabolites
  • Mitochondrial energy production
  • Methylation sufficiency
  • Lipoic acid and CoQ10 status
  • Markers for bacterial and yeast overgrowth

Here’s a list of the most commonly asked questions regarding the lab test kit.

Do I need to stop taking any of my medications before I collect my sample?

Please do not stop any of your medications before collecting your sample. If you have specific concerns, please contact our office.

How do I collect the urine specimen?

Step 1: Write your first and last name, date of birth, gender and date of collection on the Test Requisition Form (located in the pouch on top of the Specimen Collection Kit Box), as well as on the clear-cap plastic vial, using a permanent marker. To ensure accurate test results you must provide all the requested information.

Step 2: Empty bladder before going to bed at night. Do not collect this urine.

Step 3: Collect urine (if any) during the night and first morning urine into a clean container.

Step 4: Pipette urine, using a fresh disposable pipette, into the clear-cap plastic vial to the 12 ml mark (DO NOT OVERFILL). Screw the cap on tightly.

Step 5: Dispose of remaining urine.

Step 6: Freeze the clear-cap plastic vial and ice pack.

How do I prep the sample for shipping?

Step 1: Place the frozen urine specimen, frozen ice pack, and absorbent pad into the biohazard bag.

Step 2: Staple payment to the bottom right-hand corner of the completed Test Requisition Form and complete the Personal Health Assessment Form; Fold and place them in the side pocket of the biohazard bag.

Step 3. Seal the biohazard bag, place it into the specimen collection kit box, and close the
box

How do I ship my samples?

Genova Diagnostics has partnered with Federal Express for all domestic shipments of their specimen collection packs. Please send specimens via FedEx® (for domestic customers) using the shipping bag and billable stamp (airbill) provided with the test specimen collection pack (unless otherwise specified on the test instructions). To schedule a pickup call 1-800-GO-FEDEX (1-800-463-3339) or visit their website at www.fedex.com.

What insurances do you accept?

Genova Diagnostics accepts all commercial insurance plans even if not a participating provider. If you would like us to file a claim to your commercial insurance or Medicare Advantage plan, please see the Insurance Billing Program page.

We also accept several Government health care programs such as Medicare, Tricare, and Medicaid of North Carolina. For complete details visit our Government Programs page.

Am I required to submit a payment prior to insurance billing?

To participate in our Insurance Billing program you are required to submit an initial insurance payment with your sample submission. This amount will be reflected as a credit on your billing statement.

If you would like for Genova Diagnostics to bill your commercial insurance or Medicare Advantage plan, a payment method is required. Obtain initial insurance amounts by creating a Patient Resource Center account online and using our Pay Assist tool or by speaking with your referring physician.

If your commercial insurance plan provides full payment of your test, you will receive a refund of the initial payment. If the initial payment is not provided, your out of pocket costs may be higher as you will not qualify for any credits or discounts when available. If you have coverage under a Government Program such as Medicare or Tricare, you will generally not be required to provide an initial payment. Learn more on Genova’s website.