Breast Milk Intake Volume, 24-Hour Measured
Measures the total volume of breast milk consumed by an infant during a 24-hour period to help assess feeding and milk supply.
["This test estimates how much breast milk an infant drinks over one full day."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 80484-9
- Short code
- Breast milk intake vol 24h Measured
- Synonyms
- Breast milk intake vol 24h Measured
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- measured
- 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?
A 24-hour measured breast milk intake test estimates the total amount of breast milk consumed by an infant during a full day. It may be used with information about feeding, infant weight, and diaper output to evaluate whether milk intake is adequate.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may recommend this assessment when there is concern about low milk supply, infant feeding difficulties, poor weight gain, or insufficient urine output. It can also help determine whether changes to breastfeeding or milk expression are appropriate.
How is the test performed?
Breast milk collected during all feedings or pumping sessions over 24 hours is measured and recorded. The total volume provides an estimate of intake, and the results are interpreted alongside the infant's clinical condition rather than as a stand-alone measure.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the clinician's instructions for collecting and measuring every feeding across the full 24-hour period. Record the time, amount, and any missed or incomplete collections, and contact the healthcare team if instructions are unclear.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
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 measured intake may suggest that an infant is not transferring or consuming enough milk, which can contribute to inadequate weight gain or reduced urine output. A higher intake does not by itself establish that milk supply or feeding is healthy. Interpretation should consider feeding frequency, infant weight change, wet diapers, and the infant's overall well-being.
Short name
24-hour breast milk intake volume
Frequently asked questions
Does this test measure how much milk the breast produces?
Why does the collection need to cover a full 24 hours?
What if a feeding or collection is missed?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy