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Breast Milk Feeding Attempts — 24-Hour Number Rate

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

Records the number of breast-milk feeding attempts during a 24-hour period to help assess feeding frequency and patterns.

Quick summary

["This result shows how many breast-milk feeding attempts were recorded over 24 hours."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
80482-3
Short code
Breast milk feed attmpts 24h nRate
Synonyms
Breast milk feed attmpts 24h nRate
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 5 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This is a feeding record rather than a laboratory analysis of breast milk. It counts breast-milk feeding attempts recorded during a 24-hour period.

Why might I need this test?

Healthcare professionals may use it to review feeding frequency, particularly when evaluating a newborn who is not gaining weight well or when a parent is having difficulty establishing a feeding routine.

How is the test performed?

Each breast-milk feeding attempt is documented by the parent or care team, and the recorded attempts are totaled for the 24-hour period. No breast-milk sample is required.

How do I prepare for the test?

Record each feeding attempt, including the approximate time, according to the instructions provided by your healthcare team. Tracking the full 24-hour period gives the most complete picture.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

A lower or higher number of attempts may reflect feeding difficulties, changes in the infant’s feeding pattern, or the timing and duration of individual feeds. This count alone cannot determine whether the baby is getting enough milk or is adequately hydrated, so it should be interpreted with weight changes, feeding behavior, and urine output.

Short name

24-Hour Breast Milk Feeding Attempt Rate

Frequently asked questions

Does this test analyze the composition of my breast milk?
No. It is a 24-hour record of how many breast-milk feeding attempts occurred, not a laboratory test of the milk itself.
Is a higher number of feeding attempts always better?
No. The number should be interpreted along with how long and effectively each feeding lasted, the baby’s weight, and other feeding and hydration findings.
How should I record the attempts?
Document each attempt with its approximate time and any relevant notes, following the instructions from your healthcare team. Include the entire 24-hour period whenever possible.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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