Total Protein with 24-Hour Urine Collection (Proteinuria Quantification)
This test measures the total amount of protein excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess kidney function and detect conditions like proteinuria, which may signal kidney damage or other health issues.
["Helps identify kidney problems or excessive protein loss in urine over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 31152-2
- Short code
- UIGLC24
- Synonyms
- BJ Protein 24h Ur Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container (sterile, preservative-free or with appropriate preservative such as toluene or thymol). Alternatively, clean plastic container for spot urine.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.7
- Ref high
- 2
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) and/or Immunonephelometry
- CPT
- 86335
- SNOMED
- 313683004
- Specimen volume
- Complete 24-hour urine collection (minimum 10 mL aliquot). Spot urine minimum 5-10 mL.
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days. Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days for light chain quantification. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. For immunofixation, stable up to 1 month refrigerated.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–96 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Protein in urine can occur for many reasons, including kidney disease, diabetes, or certain infections. Measuring 24-hour urine protein gives a more accurate picture than a single urine test, as it accounts for daily variations in protein loss.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll collect all urine for 24 hours, starting after midnight. Drink plenty of fluids to ensure full collection. Store urine in a refrigerator until testing. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.
How the Test Works
Your urine sample is analyzed to determine the total protein content. This involves measuring the combined weight of all proteins excreted in your urine during the period.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to monitor kidney diseases (e.g., glomerulonephritis), diabetic nephropathy, or conditions causing excessive protein loss like nephrotic syndrome.
Reference range
Negative (No monoclonal light chains detected). Kappa free light chain: <5.0 mg/L; Lambda free light chain: <5.0 mg/L; Kappa/Lambda ratio: 0.7-2.0 (varies by assay). Normal 24-hour urine light chain excretion is typically <10 mg/24h.N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should maintain normal hydration and dietary habits. Avoid excessive fluid intake which may dilute urine specimen. Inform clinician of any medications including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or nephrotoxic drugs.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
24-Hour Urine Protein
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What does a normal result mean?
Can I drink alcohol before 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