Calcium concentration in urine (24-hour collection)
This test measures the total amount of calcium excreted in your urine over a full day. It helps assess how well your body is balancing calcium levels between what you absorb and what you excrete.
["Understanding your daily urine calcium helps diagnose or monitor conditions like kidney stones or calcium metabolism disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17809-5
- Short code
- Hct VFr Ur Calc
- Synonyms
- Hct VFr Ur Calc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 36
- Ref high
- 50
- Critical range
- 18 N/A – 60 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- calculated
- CPT
- 85014
- 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 Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like frequent kidney stones, unexplained bone pain, or if you have a family history of calcium-related conditions. It’s also used to evaluate kidney function or monitor treatment for conditions like hyperparathyroidism.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, typically starting and ending at the same time (e.g., midnight to midnight). Drink plenty of fluids but avoid foods high in calcium (like dairy) unless instructed otherwise.
How the Test Is Performed
You’ll use a clean container to collect all urine over 24 hours. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. No special preparation is needed beyond following the collection instructions precisely.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a general reference range, but individual ranges can vary based on age, health, and other factors. High levels may indicate kidney stones or overactive parathyroid glands, while low levels could suggest malabsorption or other metabolic issues.
Reference range
Adult males: 38-50%; Females: 36-44%N/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.
Abnormal urine calcium levels can signal underlying health concerns. For example, high levels may raise the risk of kidney stones or calcium deposits in tissues, while low levels might indicate problems with calcium absorption or bone health. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Calcium
Frequently asked questions
What causes high urine calcium levels?
What causes low urine calcium levels?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy