24-Hour Urine Rate of β1-Globulin (Electrophoresis-Based)
This test measures the amount of a specific protein group, β1-globulins, excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess kidney function and protein loss in urine, which may indicate conditions like nephrotic syndrome or other glomerular diseases.
["This test helps identify kidney issues linked to protein loss in urine over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 32734-6
- Short code
- UB1G24
- Synonyms
- Beta1 Glob 24h Ur Elph-mRate
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container, sterile, without preservatives (preferred); if delay in processing anticipated, use container with thymol or toluene preservative as directed by laboratory
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- electrophoresis
- CPT
- 84166 (Protein electrophoresis, with densitometric quantitation, urine); also referenced under 86335 (Immunofixation electrophoresis, urine) if further characterization needed
- SNOMED
- 104135005 (Urine protein electrophoresis) / 264395009 (Beta-1 globulin measurement)
- Specimen volume
- Submit entire 24-hour urine collection; minimum 10 mL aliquot from well-mixed total collection required for analysis
- Stability
- Ambient temperature: 2 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; frozen (-20°C or below): 1 month. Specimen should be refrigerated during collection. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like swelling (edema), frequent urination, or unexplained protein in urine. It’s also used to monitor kidney health in people with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease. This test helps track how well your kidneys are filtering proteins from your blood into urine.
How the Test Works
A urine sample is collected over 24 hours. The protein content (β1-globulins) is analyzed using electrophoresis, a method that separates proteins based on size and charge. The rate measures how much protein is lost daily, which can be compared to expected values for your body.
Sample Collection
You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, starting and ending with your first morning urine. Store samples refrigerated and return them to your lab on ice or at room temperature. Follow your provider’s instructions precisely to ensure accurate results.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but avoid certain medications (like NSAIDs) that may affect protein levels. Drink enough fluids to maintain normal urine output but avoid excessive protein-rich foods unless advised by your doctor.
Reference range
Beta-1 globulin excretion in 24-hour urine: < 5 mg/24 hours (or approximately 5-10% of total urinary protein). Reference values vary by laboratory; interpretation should be based on the reporting laboratory's reference range and total urine protein context.N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should maintain normal hydration and usual diet prior to and during collection. Avoid excessive fluid intake which may dilute urine and affect results. Inform laboratory of any medications or supplements.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
β1-Globulin Urine Rate (24h)
Frequently asked questions
What does a high β1-globulin urine rate mean?
How is this test different from a routine urine protein test?
Can diet affect this test result?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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