Medical Test Overview for Patients: Purpose, Procedure, and Preparation
A 24-hour urine test that uses electrophoresis to measure beta globulin proteins, helping doctors evaluate kidney function and detect kidney damage.
{"This test measures beta globulin proteins in urine collected over 24 hours","Electrophoresis separates proteins to identify abnormal amounts","Elevated beta globulin in urine may indicate kidney disease or damage","A complete 24-hour urine collection is required for accurate results","Results help doctors diagnose and monitor kidney conditions"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 38186-3
- Short code
- UBGLOB24
- Synonyms
- B-Globulin 24h Ur Elph-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container with or without preservative (thymol or toluene depending on laboratory protocol); sterile, labeled container with patient identification, start/stop times, and total volume
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 2
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- electrophoresis
- CPT
- 84165
- SNOMED
- 104061000119100
- Specimen volume
- Complete 24-hour urine collection (typical minimum total volume 500 mL to 3000 mL); aliquot of 10-50 mL submitted for analysis after recording total volume
- Stability
- Stable at 2-8°C (refrigerated) for up to 7 days; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below. If preservative is used, follow laboratory-specific stability guidelines.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
This test is a diagnostic procedure that helps your healthcare provider evaluate your health and detect or monitor specific medical conditions. The results provide valuable information that supports accurate diagnosis, guides treatment decisions, and helps track how well a therapy is working over time.
The beta globulin urine test is a laboratory analysis that measures the amount of beta globulin proteins in your urine. Beta globulins are a type of protein found in blood that help transport lipids (fats), hormones, and other important substances throughout your body. This test uses a technique called electrophoresis, which separates different types of proteins based on their electrical charge, allowing doctors to identify and measure specific protein types.
The test is performed by a trained healthcare professional at a clinic, hospital, or laboratory. Depending on what your provider has ordered, a small sample of blood, urine, or other body material may be collected, or a noninvasive scan or measurement may be taken. The procedure is usually quick, and most patients can return to normal activities right afterward.
For this test, you will collect all urine produced over a 24-hour period in a special container provided by your healthcare provider. It's important to collect every urine sample during this time period, including the first morning urine on day 2, and to keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place. Once the collection is complete, the urine sample is sent to a laboratory where electrophoresis is used to separate and measure the beta globulin proteins.
In most cases, very little preparation is needed, but your provider may give you specific instructions. You may be asked to fast for several hours, avoid certain foods or drinks, or temporarily hold some medications. Drink water unless told otherwise, wear comfortable clothing, and bring a list of your current medications and your insurance card to your appointment.
Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions. Generally, you should drink normal amounts of fluid and urinate into the provided container for 24 hours. Inform your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking, as some may affect test results. Avoid strenuous exercise during the collection period, as it may temporarily increase protein in urine.
Reference range
Beta globulin fraction in 24-hour urine is typically reported as part of the urine protein electrophoresis profile. Normal urinary excretion of beta globulin proteins (including transferrin and complement components) is generally minimal. Reference values vary by laboratory; common reference ranges are approximately 0-2 mg/24 hours or expressed as a percentage of total urinary protein (< 10%). Consult the performing laboratory's specific reference range.N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should be well-hydrated. Instruct patient on proper 24-hour urine collection technique, including discarding the first morning void and collecting all subsequent urine for 24 hours including the final morning void. Refrigerate during collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Healthy kidneys normally prevent proteins from leaking into urine. When beta globulin proteins are found in urine, it often indicates kidney damage or disease. Elevated beta globulin levels can be a sign of conditions such as glomerulonephritis, kidney infection, diabetic nephropathy, or other renal disorders. This test helps doctors detect kidney problems early, before more serious complications develop, and monitor how well kidney function is being maintained over time.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before the test?
What happens if my results are abnormal?
Is the test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Mayo Clinic - UrinalysisSource
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