Test Code CHOU Carbohydrate, Urine
Reporting Name
Carbohydrate, UUseful For
Screening for conditions associated with increased excretion of carbohydrates, including inborn errors of fructose and galactose metabolism.
This test is not recommended as a follow up test for abnormal newborn screening for galactosemia.
Testing Algorithm
Qualitative testing for the presence of reducing substances is performed followed by quantitative analysis of carbohydrates including fructose, galactose, xylose, glucose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, and raffinose.
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
UrineOrdering Guidance
This test is a quantitative analysis of carbohydrate excretion in the urine. It is not appropriate for evaluation of an abnormal newborn screen for galactosemia. For those cases, order GCT / Galactosemia Reflex, Blood and consider GAL1P / Galactose-1-Phosphate, Erythrocytes and GATOL / Galactitol, Quantitative, Urine.
Necessary Information
Patient's age is required.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Urine Tubes, 10 mL (T068)
Container/Tube: Plastic, 10-mL urine tube
Specimen Volume: 5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect an early-morning (preferred) random urine specimen.
2. No preservative.
Specimen Minimum Volume
1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Urine | Frozen | 42 days |
Reference Values
Reducing Substances: Negative
Quantitative results are reported as mmol/mol creatinine.
Age range |
<12 months |
12 months-18 years |
≥19 years |
Xylose |
≤13 |
≤38 |
≤9 |
Fructose |
≤32 |
≤31 |
≤16 |
Galactose |
≤117 |
≤32 |
≤5 |
Glucose |
≤139 |
≤15 |
≤22 |
Sucrose |
≤27 |
≤46 |
≤20 |
Lactose |
≤160 |
≤18 |
≤5 |
Maltose |
≤5 |
≤1 |
≤2 |
Raffinose |
≤1 |
≤1 |
≤1 |
Day(s) Performed
Tuesday
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
84379
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
CHOU | Carbohydrate, U | 74447-4 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
622708 | Interpretation | 59462-2 |
622709 | Reducing Substances | 5809-9 |
622710 | Xylose | 75051-3 |
622711 | Fructose | 34309-5 |
622712 | Galactose | 25102-5 |
622713 | Glucose | 34312-9 |
622714 | Sucrose | 76132-0 |
622715 | Lactose | 74438-3 |
622716 | Maltose | 74895-4 |
622717 | Raffinose | 48147-3 |
622744 | Reviewed By | 18771-6 |
Clinical Information
Carbohydrates are a group of mono-, di-, and oligosaccharides of endogenous and exogenous sources. Their presence frequently reflects dietary consumption but can indicate specific pathology if either a particular saccharide or a particular excretory pattern is present. Most saccharides (except glucose) have low renal thresholds and are readily excreted in the urine.
The identification and quantitation of carbohydrates, in particular galactose and fructose, is useful to screen for inborn errors of galactose and fructose metabolism such as galactosemia and hereditary fructose intolerance. Additionally, xylose may also be detected in individuals with hereditary pentosuria, a benign trait with high frequency among individuals with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.
This test is useful as an initial screen. To establish any diagnosis, abnormal results require confirmation by enzyme assay, molecular genetic analysis, or correlation with other laboratory testing.
Interpretation
When abnormal results are detected, a detailed interpretation is given, including an overview of the results and of their significance, a correlation to available clinical information, elements of differential diagnosis, recommendations, if any, for additional biochemical testing, and a phone number to reach one of the laboratory directors in case the referring physician has additional questions.
Report Available
3 to 9 daysSpecimen Retention Time
2 monthsReject Due To
Urine containing preservatives | Reject |
Method Name
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)