Homogentisic acid - urine
Last updated: Monday, 22, March, 2004
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| Item | Process |
|---|---|
| Specimen | Random urine. |
| Method | Qualitative colour test, colorimetry, HPLC. |
| Reference Interval | Not detected. |
| Application | Diagnosis of alkaptonuria. Patients present with dark pigmentation of sclerae and ear cartilage, early osteoarthritis of hips (with darkly pigmented cartilage). Their urine contains a reducing substance that is not glucose and the urine characteristically darkens on standing. |
| Interpretation | An increased level is diagnostic of alkaptonuria. |
| Reference | Bory C et al. Clin Chim Acta 1990; 189: 7-11. |