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24-Hour Urinary Iron Excretion Rate

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

This test measures how much iron your body excretes in urine over 24 hours, helping assess iron loss or absorption.

Quick summary

["Helps diagnose or monitor iron-related conditions by tracking iron loss in urine."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
14799-1
Short code
Iron 24h Ur-sRate
Synonyms
Iron 24h Ur-sRate
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 This Test Matters

Iron is essential for making red blood cells and preventing anemia. If your body loses too much iron (e.g., from heavy periods, bleeding, or genetic conditions), this test helps track how much is being excreted in urine over a full day.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll collect all urine for 24 hours in a container provided by your healthcare team. Drink plenty of fluids to ensure full collection.

How the Test Works

Your urine sample is analyzed to determine the amount of iron excreted. The result helps doctors compare it to expected levels for your body.

Possible Results & Next Steps

Results may indicate whether iron loss is excessive (e.g., due to bleeding or genetic disorders like hemochromatosis). Follow-up may include further tests or adjustments to diet/medications.

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.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Iron excretion rate (urine)

Frequently asked questions

What could this test detect?
This test can help identify conditions causing chronic iron loss, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, or inherited disorders like hemochromatosis. It may also assess iron absorption in rare cases.
How does this differ from a serum iron test?
A serum iron test measures iron levels in your blood, while this test tracks iron loss in urine. Both are used together to diagnose iron-related disorders.
What if my urine sample isn’t complete?
If your urine sample is incomplete (e.g., missed collection), your results may be invalid. Your healthcare team will guide you on resubmitting the test.
  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