Hair Keratin Protein Content (24-Hour Fluid)
This test measures the amount of keratin protein in a 24-hour urine sample, which may help assess hair-related protein metabolism or systemic conditions affecting keratin production.
["Understanding your hair protein balance can help identify underlying health or metabolic concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 42204-8
- Short code
- Hairy Cells NFr Mar
- Synonyms
- Hairy Cells NFr Mar
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like excessive hair loss, unusual hair texture, or suspected metabolic disorders that affect protein synthesis in hair follicles. It could also be part of a broader evaluation for conditions like alopecia, genetic hair disorders, or systemic protein metabolism issues.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You’ll provide a 24-hour urine sample collected in a sterile container, following instructions to collect all urine over the full period. Drink plenty of water to help flush out proteins naturally.
What the Test Results Mean
Results may indicate whether your body is producing or processing keratin proteins normally. Elevated levels could suggest conditions like proteinuria (protein in urine) or metabolic disorders, while lower levels might point to deficiencies or hair-specific issues.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is less commonly used for routine monitoring but may be part of specialized evaluations for hair disorders, genetic testing, or metabolic studies. It’s not a standard screening for most health conditions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Hair keratin protein levels in urine can reflect systemic protein metabolism, hair follicle health, or rare genetic conditions affecting keratin production. Abnormal results may prompt further investigation into metabolic disorders, protein-related diseases, or hair-specific pathologies.
Short name
Hair Keratin Protein (24h)
Frequently asked questions
What does a high hair keratin protein level mean?
Can I eat or drink anything special before this test?
Will this test be part of a routine blood 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