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Arsenic Concentration in Urine (24-Hour Collection)

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

This test measures the total amount of arsenic present in your urine over a 24-hour period. Arsenic is a chemical element that can be found in nature and sometimes in contaminated water or food.

Quick summary

["Assesses long-term exposure to arsenic through urine, helping identify potential environmental or dietary risks."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
15116-7
Short code
Deprecated Arsenic Ur-sCnc
Synonyms
Deprecated Arsenic Ur-sCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
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 Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like skin changes, respiratory issues, or if you’ve been exposed to arsenic through work, contaminated water, or certain foods. It’s also used in monitoring people with known arsenic exposure or those living in areas with elevated arsenic levels in drinking water.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24 hours, typically starting after midnight and ending the next morning. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results. Drink plenty of water to help flush out arsenic naturally.

During the Test Process

You’ll provide a single urine sample that represents the total collected over 24 hours. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis using a specialized method to measure arsenic concentration.

What the Results Mean

Higher-than-normal levels may indicate exposure to arsenic, which can pose health risks over time. Lower levels may suggest minimal exposure. Your provider will discuss results in the context of your medical history and symptoms.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

24-Hour Urine Arsenic

Frequently asked questions

What causes elevated arsenic levels in urine?
Elevated arsenic levels can result from environmental exposure (e.g., contaminated water, pesticides), occupational hazards, or dietary intake. Chronic exposure may lead to long-term health effects like skin damage, lung disease, or increased cancer risk.
How often should this test be repeated?
Your provider will determine frequency based on your exposure history, symptoms, and risk factors. Repeated testing may be needed if you continue exposure or if results are concerning.
Can diet affect this test result?
Yes, certain foods (e.g., fish, shellfish) or supplements may contain arsenic. Avoiding high-exposure foods for a few days before testing can help reduce variability in results.
  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