: Lactate, 24-Hour Urine, Substance Concentration
: This test measures the amount of lactate (a normal breakdown product of glucose metabolism) excreted in urine collected over a full 24-hour period, expressed as a concentration.
[": A 24-hour urine lactate measurement helps evaluate how much lactate your body is clearing through the kidneys over a complete day."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34323-6
- Short code
- Lactate 24h Ur-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Lactate 24h Ur-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 400
- Critical range
- — – 4 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82670
- 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
: What Lactate Is
: Lactate is a substance produced when the body breaks down glucose for energy, especially during strenuous activity or when oxygen delivery to tissues is reduced. Most lactate is processed by the liver, and a smaller amount is removed by the kidneys and passed into urine.
: Why Urine Is Collected for 24 Hours
: Lactate levels in the body can change throughout the day with activity, diet, and rest. Collecting all urine over a full 24-hour period averages out these short-term fluctuations and gives a more representative picture of how much lactate the kidneys are excreting than a single spot sample.
: How the Specimen Is Collected
: You will be given a container and instructed to collect every voiding over a 24-hour window, typically beginning after the first morning urine is discarded. The container is kept cool and returned to the laboratory as directed, where the lactate concentration is measured.
: What the Result Means
: The result reflects the concentration of lactate in the pooled 24-hour urine. It is interpreted together with your symptoms, other lab results (such as blood lactate and acid-base testing), and your medical history; your clinician will explain what your value indicates in your specific situation.
Reference range
Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/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.
: Urine lactate measurement can support assessment of metabolic and acid-base conditions and, in some cases, help evaluate inherited or acquired disorders affecting lactate handling. Results are not diagnostic on their own and should always be reviewed by a clinician alongside the broader clinical picture.
Short name
: 24-Hour Urine Lactate
Frequently asked questions
: Do I need to fast or avoid exercise before this test?
: Is a high urine lactate always a sign of a problem?
: What should I do if I miss part of the 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