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Total Iron in 24-Hour Urine (Quantitative)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test measures how much iron your body excretes in urine over a full day. It helps assess iron loss, particularly in conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Quick summary

["Helps identify excessive iron loss that may require medical evaluation or treatment."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
25937-4
Short code
Iron 24h Ur-sCnc
Synonyms
Iron 24h Ur-sCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Ref low
60
Ref high
170
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
83540
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 Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or signs of iron deficiency (e.g., pale skin, shortness of breath) despite normal blood iron levels. It’s also used to monitor conditions causing chronic iron loss, such as heavy periods or certain gastrointestinal disorders.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll collect all your urine for a full 24-hour period in a sterile container, typically starting after urinating in the morning and ending with the first morning urine of the next day. Keep the container refrigerated if needed.

How the Test Works

The collected urine sample is analyzed in a lab to measure the total iron content. This helps determine if your body is losing iron at an abnormal rate.

What the Results Mean

Higher-than-expected results may indicate excessive iron loss, which could be due to bleeding or other medical conditions. Lower-than-expected results might suggest normal iron metabolism or less iron loss than expected.

Reference range

NCBI: Serum Iron Male 65-180; Female 50-170 µg/dLN/A

Specimen: urine

Fasting for 12 hours preferred. Iron supplements should be stopped 24 hours before if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

24-Hour Urine Iron

Frequently asked questions

What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Abnormally high results could be linked to heavy menstrual bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., from ulcers or tumors), or certain kidney conditions. Abnormally low results are less common in this test but may reflect normal iron excretion or incomplete collection.
How Often Is This Test Done?
This test is typically done once unless your healthcare provider recommends follow-up testing for ongoing evaluation of iron loss.
Can I Take Medications or Supplements Before the Test?
Avoid taking iron supplements or certain medications (like NSAIDs) that may affect iron excretion for 24 hours before testing, as this could impact 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy