Protein in Urine (Quantitative, 24-Hour Collection)
This test measures the total amount of protein excreted in your urine over a full day. It helps assess kidney function and detect conditions like kidney disease or protein loss due to other health issues.
["A 24-hour urine protein test helps track kidney health and identify protein loss in urine."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1928-1
- Short code
- U-LC
- Synonyms
- BJ Protein Ur Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof urine container; preferably a 24-hour urine collection container with no preservatives, or a random urine cup for spot testing
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunofixation Electrophoresis (IFE), Immunoelectrophoresis, or Nephelometry
- CPT
- 86335
- SNOMED
- 39567008
- Specimen volume
- 10-50 mL for random urine; complete 24-hour collection preferred
- Stability
- Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 1 month. For light chain stability, refrigeration is preferred; 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 doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like swelling, frequent urination, or unexplained weight changes. It’s also used to monitor kidney disease, track responses to treatments, or check for conditions like nephrotic syndrome or glomerulonephritis.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours, starting and ending with a sample at the same time each day. Store samples in a refrigerator and bring the full collection to your lab visit. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
How the Test Works
The collected urine is analyzed to measure the total protein content. This involves separating proteins and quantifying them, often using methods like nephelometry or turbidimetry to detect and measure protein levels precisely.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-normal protein levels in urine may indicate kidney damage, inflammation, or other conditions affecting protein filtration. Lower-than-normal levels might suggest dehydration or certain metabolic issues, but interpretation depends on your overall health and symptoms.
Reference range
Negative or undetectable light chains in urine. Normal individuals may excrete trace amounts of polyclonal free light chains (kappa and lambda). Bence Jones protein (monoclonal free light chains) should be absent.N/A
No special preparation required. A first morning void or 24-hour urine collection may be preferred to maximize sensitivity for detecting monoclonal light chains.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
24-Hour Urine Protein
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated protein in urine?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet or medications 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