24-Hour Urinary Rate of a Specific Protein (e.g., Albumin)
This test measures how much albumin, a protein found in your blood, appears in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess kidney function and detect early signs of kidney damage.
["This test helps monitor kidney health by tracking protein loss in urine."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25684-2
- Short code
- Lambda LC 24h Ur-mRate
- Synonyms
- Lambda LC 24h Ur-mRate
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like swelling, frequent urination, or blood in urine. It’s also used in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease to check for kidney problems early.
What Does the Test Involve?
You’ll collect all your urine for a full 24 hours, typically starting after waking up. The sample is then tested in a lab to measure the protein levels.
How Is the Test Performed?
You’ll use a clean container to catch every drop of urine for the full day, including overnight. Empty your bladder before starting and discard the first morning urine. Keep the container at room temperature and return it to your provider’s office or lab by the next morning.
What Are Common Causes of High or Low Results?
High albumin levels in urine (proteinuria) may signal kidney damage, diabetes, or other conditions like glomerulonephritis. Low levels are usually normal but could indicate dehydration or kidney disease if unexplained.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is critical for diagnosing and managing kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Early detection of protein loss helps prevent progression to more serious kidney problems, such as chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.
Short name
Albumin Urine Rate (24h)
Frequently asked questions
What does a 24-hour urine albumin test measure?
How often is this test recommended?
Can I eat or drink anything before the 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy