CERTIFIED NUTRITIONIST    •    
BOARD-CERTIFIED IN HOLISTIC NUTRITION® 
   •    CERTIFIED FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER

Organic Acids Test

About Organic Acid Testing

The organic acids test (OAT) profile provides vital client information from a single urine specimen. It 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 needs
  • Neurotransmitter metabolites
  • Mitochondrial energy production
  • Methylation sufficiency
  • Lipoic acid and CoQ10 status
  • Markers for bacterial and yeast overgrowth
  • Oxalates, fungal, and mold

What is an Organic Acids Test (OAT) for?

The organic acids test provides an in-depth view into the body’s cellular metabolic processes and its efficiency of metabolic function. 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. Learn more here

IMPORTANT TEST PREPARATION

READ CAREFULLY:
Collection Instructions

NOTE: Please review all instructions and collection kit components before starting your sample collection. DO NOT discontinue taking prescription medications unless directed by your physician.

Urine: 10 mL of first-morning urine before food or drink is suggested. Patients should avoid apples, grapes (including raisins), pears, cranberries, and their juices 48 hours prior to specimen collection. Avoid arabinogalactan, echinacea, reishi mushrooms, and ribose supplements for 48 hours before collection.

1. Save the cardboard box and place the gel pack flat into the freezer (for at least 4 hours) to ship the sample
back to us.


2. Send the sample off to the lab Monday through Thursday. Extra shipping charges will apply for Saturday
deliveries (Friday shipments), and the sample may become compromised due to the lab being closed
over the weekend.


3. Please check the specimen requirements below for patient preparation instructions.


4. Only use containers supplied by GPL to avoid contamination of specimens.


5. Females, please do not collect samples during menstrual cycle.


6. Limit liquid intake starting at 6pm the night prior to collection to avoid sample dilution. Urine must be yellow in color. If urine is clear the sample is too diluted. Discard diluted sample, rinse the collection cup in hot
water only (no soap), air dry, then re-collect.


7. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service at (913) 341-8949 or email CustomerService@GPL4U.com

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Organic Acid Testing

Here is a list of top 10 reasons to get an OAT test here.

What are the collection Requirements

Step 1 –Please write your Name and DOB on a piece of masking tape and use that to label your vial or use a permanent marker.

Step 2 – Limit liquid intake starting at 6pm the night prior to collection. This is to avoid sample dilution. Urine must be yellow in color. If the urine is clear the sample is too diluted. Discard diluted sample, rinse the collection cup with hot water (no soap), air dry, then re-collect.

Step 3 – We recommend freezing your specimen for at least 4-6 hours before shipping the test. 

Step 4 – Place cap vial into ziplock specimen bag along with absorbent pad. Seal the bag. Place the specimen bag with the sample vial into the kit box.

Step 5 – Fill out the Test Requisition Form completely. Be sure to write the date of sample collection in the Patient section of the form. Payment type must be completed with payment included to process sample unless payment was submitted directly through Fortitude Functional Nutrition. Place Test Request Form into the box with the sample and ship to the laboratory. See shipping instructions below.**

**If you cannot ship the specimen on the day of collection please freeze the sample by placing the box containing the sample into the freezer.

How do I ship the sample?
Specimens may be shipped Monday through Thursday. 

Before shipping, be sure that the Yellow cap vial and the Test Request Form are labeled and completely filled out. Be sure to place the sample vial sealed in the ziplock bag and that the Test Request Form are in the Kit box.

Locate the FedEx Clinical Pak mailer. Fill in your name and address on the shipping label attached to the outside of mailer. Place the kit box into FedEx Clinical Pak. Remove strip to reveal sticky film and press both sides of mailer together to seal the pouch.

Call FedEx to schedule a pick-up. Dial 1-800-238-5355. When the automated greeting begins say “Rep”. When asked if you are shipping a package say “Yes”. A live person will then answer to help schedule your pickup. Let them know you are shipping using a Billable Stamp.
Do I have to pay for postage?
Individuals don’t have to pay for postage, test kits include a pre-paid envelope if mailed in the U.S.
However, international customers must pay for shipping unless a prior contract exists.
Can I drop the kit off at a FedEx location?
Yes, please follow the packing and shipping instructions provided with the test kit.
Do I have to stop medications or supplements prior to testing?
Please do not stop any of your medications before collecting your sample. But, stop all your supplements 72 hours prior to collecting your sample as instructed by your health care practitioner.

Are there any foods I need to avoid prior to taking the test?
Yes, please not stop consuming the following foods 72 hours prior to collection: apples, grapes, pears, and cranberries as well as their juices or any food products that contain them.
I sealed bag but forgot to put the paperwork in kit. Can I reopen?
Yes, just tape to reclose.
Can I ship my sample on Friday?
No, ship specimens to the lab only Monday – Thursday. The box should be mailed back to the laboratory with the prepaid postage (included) within two days of completion of the test.
My test kit did not have a requisition form, what do I do?
Unless you already received the test requisition in your private portal, you should email or call our office (at info@fortitudefunctionalnutrition.com or 720-580-2078) for a Test Requisition Form.
695 S. Colorado Blvd
Suite 340
Denver, CO 80246

(720) 580-2078
© Copyright 2023 - Fortitude Functional Nutrition 
All Rights Reserved
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