Total Protein Mass Concentration in 24-Hour Urine Collection
This test measures the total amount of protein excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. Protein in urine can sometimes indicate kidney issues or other health conditions.
["This test helps assess kidney function and detect protein loss in urine over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17793-1
- Short code
- ULC24
- Synonyms
- BJ Protein 24h Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container (sterile, preservative-free or with thymol/boric acid preservative)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1
- Ref high
- 5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Nephelometry or Turbidimetry (immunoprecipitation)
- CPT
- 83883
- SNOMED
- 104159003
- Specimen volume
- Complete 24-hour urine collection (minimum 10 mL aliquot from total volume)
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days; Room temperature: 2 hours
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like swelling, frequent urination, or if they suspect kidney problems. It can also be used to monitor chronic conditions like kidney disease or certain types of kidney damage.
What Does the Test Involve?
You’ll collect all your urine for a full 24-hour period in a special container. This ensures an accurate measurement of protein loss. The collected urine is then sent to a lab for testing.
What Are Common Causes of High or Low Protein Levels?
High protein levels in urine (proteinuria) can be caused by kidney diseases, diabetes, or other conditions that damage kidney filters. Low levels are less common and may not indicate a problem unless part of a broader evaluation.
What Should You Expect After the Test?
After collecting urine, you’ll return it to your healthcare provider or lab. Results take time to process, and your provider will discuss them with you during a follow-up visit.
Reference range
Free kappa light chains: <7.5 mg/24h; Free lambda light chains: <3.5 mg/24h; Kappa/Lambda ratio: 1.0-5.0 (varies by laboratory)N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should maintain normal hydration and usual diet. Avoid strenuous exercise prior to collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
24-Hour Urine Protein Test
Frequently asked questions
How is this test different from a random urine protein test?
What if I have kidney disease and my results are normal?
Can diet affect this test?
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