24-Hour Urinary Calcium Mass Concentration
This test measures the total amount of calcium excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess kidney function and calcium metabolism.
["Understanding your kidney health and calcium balance through urine calcium levels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 21203-5
- Short code
- Citrate 24h Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Citrate 24h Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 400
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82670
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like kidney stones, high blood pressure, or conditions affecting calcium metabolism. It can also help diagnose or monitor kidney disease, bone disorders, or metabolic issues like hyperparathyroidism.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours, starting and ending with your first morning urine. Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out calcium naturally. Avoid certain medications (like calcium supplements or some diuretics) that may affect results unless instructed otherwise.
How the Test Works
After collecting your urine sample, it’s analyzed in a lab to measure the total calcium content. The test provides a clear picture of how much calcium your kidneys are filtering and excreting over time.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a mass concentration (e.g., milligrams per day). High levels may indicate kidney stones, overactive parathyroid glands, or other metabolic disorders. Low levels could suggest kidney problems or malabsorption issues.
Reference range
Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
24h Urine Calcium
Frequently asked questions
What does a high 24-hour urine calcium level mean?
What does a low 24-hour urine calcium level mean?
How often should I get 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