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24-Hour Urine Excretion Rate

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

Measures the amount of a substance excreted in urine over 24 hours. The specific substance and units should be confirmed on the laboratory report.

Quick summary

["This test measures how much of a specific substance your body releases in urine over one full day."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
6935-1
Short code
AAA 24h Ur-mRate
Synonyms
AAA 24h Ur-mRate
Category
liver
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

A 24-hour urine test measures the amount of a specific substance, or analyte, excreted in your urine over one full day. Unlike a single urine sample, it can provide a more complete estimate of daily excretion.

Why might I need this test?

Your clinician may order this test to assess kidney function, investigate abnormalities in blood or urine, or monitor certain conditions or medicines. The result may also help evaluate how your body handles the substance being measured.

How is the test performed?

You usually begin collecting urine at a specified time and collect every urine sample for the next 24 hours in a special container. Record the start and finish times, keep the container closed, and follow any storage or refrigeration instructions provided by the laboratory.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the collection instructions carefully and do not omit samples. Your clinician may recommend dietary or medication changes, but continue medicines unless you are specifically told otherwise, and avoid restricting fluids unless instructed.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

An abnormal result may reflect changes in diet, fluid intake, kidney function, medications, or an underlying medical condition. The meaning depends on the substance being measured and the units reported, so the result should be interpreted by your clinician in the context of your overall health.

Short name

24-hour urine excretion test

Frequently asked questions

Why is a 24-hour urine collection used?
It measures total excretion over a full day and can be more representative than a single urine sample. It may also account for daily changes in urine output.
What happens if I miss part of the collection?
A missed sample can make the calculated daily amount inaccurate. Contact the laboratory or clinician for instructions on whether the collection needs to be restarted.
Does an abnormal result always mean I have a disease?
No. Diet, hydration, exercise, medicines, and other factors can affect the result, and its significance depends on which substance was measured.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy