Arsenic Mass Concentration in Urine (24-Hour Collection)
This test measures the total amount of arsenic, a naturally occurring element that can be harmful in high doses, in your urine over a full day. It helps assess exposure to arsenic from drinking water, food, or environmental sources.
["Assessing long-term arsenic exposure in your urine over 24 hours."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110543-6
- Short code
- Inorg Arsenic Msmt Ur
- Synonyms
- Inorg Arsenic Msmt Ur
- 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 Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of arsenic poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, or neurological issues, or if you live in an area with contaminated water. It can also be used to monitor people who work with arsenic or consume water known to contain high levels of this element.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period. Typically, you’ll start the collection at the same time each day, such as right after waking up. Store the urine in a clean container and bring it all together to your lab or clinic on the next day.
What Happens During the Test
The collected urine sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed using a specialized method to measure the total arsenic content. The lab will not provide individual breakdowns of different arsenic forms (e.g., inorganic vs. organic) unless specified.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to reference ranges that vary by age, sex, and health status. High levels may indicate exposure to arsenic from environmental sources, contaminated water, or dietary intake. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you and determine if further action is needed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated arsenic levels in urine can signal chronic exposure, which may lead to health issues like kidney damage, skin changes, or increased cancer risk. This test helps identify and manage potential exposure before symptoms appear, allowing for preventive measures like water testing or dietary adjustments.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Arsenic
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated arsenic levels in urine?
How long does it take to get the results?
Can I drink water during the 24-hour urine collection?
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